International Aquaphobia Awareness Day, observed annually on 7 February, is dedicated to raising awareness of aquaphobia—the intense fear of water that affects millions of people worldwide.
Aquaphobia can have a profound impact on everyday life, preventing individuals from enjoying activities such as swimming, bathing, family holidays, or even being near water. For some, the fear is so severe that it affects personal hygiene, confidence, and mental wellbeing.
This awareness day exists to:
- Educate the public about aquaphobia
- Reduce stigma around fear of water
- Highlight effective treatment and support options
- Encourage compassion and understanding
What is Aquaphobia?
Aquaphobia is a spectrum-based fear response, ranging from mild anxiety around water to complete panic. It may be triggered by:
- Childhood experiences such as being pushed or thrown into water
- Near-drowning incidents
- Rough play or accidents in pools, lakes, or the sea
- A lack of safe exposure to water environments
These experiences can remain embedded in the nervous system for years—sometimes decades—unless addressed with the right support.
The good news: aquaphobia can be managed and overcome.
Photo by big.tiny.belly on Unsplash
Support & Treatment
With evidence-based approaches such as:
- Graded exposure
- Relaxation and breathing techniques
- Psychological support
- Specialist aquatic coaching
- Digital learning tools and virtual reality experiences
- People can rebuild trust with water, regain confidence, and experience genuine freedom.
Organisations like Institute of Aquaphobia work internationally to provide structured programmes, professional coaching pathways, and accessible digital resources for both adults and children.
Who We Are: The Institute of Aquaphobia
The Institute of Aquaphobia (IoA) is the UK's only accredited organisation dedicated to tackling aquaphobia—the fear of water—through a science-backed, trauma-informed approach.
Founded in 2020 by leading swim coach Mike Burman, the IoA developed the Aquaphobia Learning Programme (ALP), a 12-step course designed to help adults and children overcome fear of water safely and with confidence.
Through globally recognised qualifications—CTA 1 (Certificate in Teaching Aquaphobics: Foundation) and CTA 2 (Certificate in Teaching Aquaphobics: Advanced)—the IoA is training thousands of swim teachers to support this hidden population and make aquatic environments inclusive for everyone.
The Hidden Epidemic
Aquaphobia is far more widespread than many people realise:
- 12.8 million people in the UK live with aquaphobia—around 1 in 3 adults
- Childhood drownings have doubled in the UK since 2020
- Nearly 30% of children leave primary school unable to swim
- The leisure and tourism sectors are losing millions in untapped revenue as families avoid pools, aquatic centres, and water-based holidays
"If being afraid of water was a virus, it would be treated as a pandemic. Yet millions are excluded from family life, holidays, and vital safety because of aquaphobia. Tackling this is both a moral duty—and a major opportunity for businesses to help."
— Mike Burman, Founder, Institute of Aquaphobia
Our Impact
The Institute of Aquaphobia has:
Partnered with the UK's second-largest leisure provider, Everyone Active, training over 4,000 swimming coaches nationwide
Delivered CTA 1 and CTA 2 courses internationally, with growing networks in Australia and across Europe
Supported thousands of adults and children to overcome fear of water, including:
- Christine (66): Afraid of water her whole life, now swims with her grandchildren
- Seb (8): Overcame severe trauma and now attends swimming parties with friends
- Akki (42): Grew up without lessons and now enjoys pool time with her daughter
Why CTA 1 & CTA 2 Matter
The Certificate in Teaching Aquaphobics courses equip swim teachers with the skills needed to deliver truly life-changing lessons:
CTA 1 (Foundation): Understanding fear, trauma, and the psychology of aquaphobia, with tools to build trust and begin safe, structured lessons
CTA 2 (Advanced): Advanced coaching strategies, specialist techniques, and real-world case study practice for complex phobias
Together, these programmes ensure coaches can reach the "missing millions" who currently feel excluded from swimming.
Get Involved
The Institute of Aquaphobia is calling on:
- Journalists – to shine a light on this hidden epidemic
- Leisure providers – to create inclusive facilities and unlock new customer bases
- Partners and funders – to help expand this work globally and ensure no one is left behind
Experts Available for Comment
Mike Burman
Founder, Institute of Aquaphobia
Swimming industry expert with 30 years' experience
Based in Dorset, UK
Available to comment on:
- Mental health and phobias
- Swimming education and drowning prevention
- Inclusion within the leisure industry
Jo Lay
Partnerships Director, Institute of Aquaphobia
Former Thames Valley Police officer and swim school owner
Former UK Swim School of the Year (2023)
Based in Newbury, Berkshire, UK
Available to comment on:
- Community partnerships
- Supporting children and families
- Training coaches in trauma-informed swimming lessons
Main Image – created by IOA
About the Author: IoA
