Overcome Your
Fear of Water.
Specialist 1-to-1 coaching for adults with a genuine fear of water. Our warm, private pool in Arkley, Barnet removes every trigger that makes public swimming impossible. Brian has helped clients go from refusing to approach the pool to swimming confidently.
Fear of Water is Real. And It Can Be Overcome.
Aquaphobia affects a significant number of adults — often rooted in a childhood incident, a frightening experience in open water, or simply never having learned in conditions that felt safe. It is not weakness. It is a conditioned response that, with the right approach, can change.
Brian has worked with aquaphobic adults for over 30 years. The private pool in Arkley is a calm, warm, controlled environment — no other swimmers, no noise, no triggers. Many clients who were afraid to stand near the water's edge swim independently within weeks.
- Genuine panic responses and anxiety around water
- Clients who cannot submerge or put their face in water
- Adults who have never found an approach that works
- Previous bad experiences in public pools or open water
- Sessions start from wherever you are — no minimum required
- Patient, graduated approach — nothing is ever forced
Aquaphobia Takes Many Forms
Childhood incident
A near-drowning, a frightening lesson or an overwhelming experience can create a lasting fear response. Brian understands the origin matters and works accordingly.
Open water trauma
Fear triggered by the sea, a lake or a river often transfers to pools. The controlled private environment helps separate the triggers.
Panic near water
Some clients experience physical panic responses before they even enter the water. Brian has worked with many clients in this position. Sessions begin at your threshold.
Never found what works
Group lessons, public pools, online videos — none of these work for aquaphobia. One consistent coach in a private, calm setting is a completely different approach.
SEN and sensory needs
For clients whose water fear is connected to sensory processing or additional needs, the quiet, predictable private pool environment is particularly beneficial.
Children with water fear
Brian also works with children who have developed a genuine fear. The private, unhurried setting is ideal for gradual, patient progress.
We've Heard It Before.
Clients Who Overcame Their Fear
“I started in October 2015..... Afraid of the water”
I started in October 2015..... Afraid of the water and drowning. But, Steven and Brian were fantastic.... Helped me overcome the fear and by lesson 2, I was swimming on my own.
“aged non-swimmer”
I've never been able to take my feet off the bottom let alone swim. As a 65 year old, I decided to see if I could do it and booked some lessons with Swimmingclass. After 12 lessons I can actually do it.
“For the love of the water I wanted to”
For the love of the water I wanted to be able to move in it. Stephen one of the trusted instructors gave me the drive to learn the basic never looked back since.
Fear of Water Lessons FAQ
Book a Specialist Session
Private 1-to-1 coaching for aquaphobia and fear of water at our Arkley pool.
- 90-minute 1-to-1 session
- Warm 30°C private pool
- No public access — fully private
- Specialist aquaphobia experience
- ASA / STA qualified — DBS checked
The First Step is the Hardest. Brian Makes It Easier.
Private specialist lessons for adults with a fear of water. Warm pool, consistent coach, no pressure. Message Brian — no commitment needed.