I'll just go ahead and say it -- I'm not a strong swimmer. I mainly doggy paddle or tread water. When I go to the beach I only go out as far as I can touch the bottom and still have my head above water. I like to snorkle but I usually wear a vest or use a board to keep me afloat. It's no excuse, but I just grew up with a fear of water that I never overcame. I still love water and the beach though. I'm really excited about our trip to Jamaica. I'm just a little concerned about two things:

1) We're staying at the Caves for 3 nights and I'm a little concerned about getting in the water there as I realize it will be well over my head. Do they have floats and things of that nature?

2) I'd really like to visit YS falls, but I'm curious if someone with my particular "fears" would have anything to really do or see there.

Thanks so much for any advice/input!

Chandra

There's a tubing-down-the-stream operation also at YS with seakayak paddles, inner tubes and life jackets, the latter which could be rented separately for water fears. Tho it's dry season, the water will be mountain cold at YS with the pools of varying depths. You need not go in water to enjoy it -- tho with a lifejacket on, you might dare yourself to try playing Jane on one of the liana vines or ropes that swing out over the waters.

We went to YS Falls and Mayfield Falls. YS Falls did have some areas where the water was over my head in some areas. They also had a freshwater pool. Mayfield Falls the water came up to my waist at the most. I'm 5'6. We had 2 small children on our tour and it was not a problem for them. I would opt for Mayfield over YS if your concerned.

Mayfield had no pools deeper than my waist last March...maybe it gets a bit higher in wet season but I doubt it'd be over your head except in the one pool they dive into.

Mayfield involves some hiking and climbing, nothing a "normal" adult or child can't do, but if you have asthma, are elderly, arthritic, etc....then not good.

HI Chandra-

Although I am not responding directly to your questions, do you mind if I give a little advice? I don't know when you are leaving, but consider taking a private swim lesson or two at your local YMCA or club. I used to teach swimming and having a private lesson with someone who is a bit (or more) fearful, can be very helpful. When you are swimming, you want to make sure you do not panic.

OK...that is it. I hope you don't mind the advice/tip.

Enjoy your trip!

Sarah

Well, I'm not elderly or arthrtic...early thirties and in good shape -- just a complete chicken when it comes to water. It's ridiculous really and I'm completely ashamed about it! I think I am going to try to get a bit more comfy in the water before my trip like Sarah mentioned. I did contact Talk of the Town tours and told them about my "situation" and Solomon was really nice about it and said all the tours would be fine for me as I can go as shallow or deep as I feel comfortable.

I also support the idea of you taking some private swimming lessons so that you feel more comfortable in the water.

In addition, you might consider renting a 3mm shortie wetsuit to wear at YS. Wetsuits add a little buoyancy - not to mention protecting you against sun exposure.

Hi laustic -
I'm here to offer encouragement too on your quest to become comfortable in the water so you can fully enjoy snorkeling. I myself did not learn how to swim (couldn't even float!) until I was 30 and my big motivation to learn was I wanted to be able to snorkel and at least be comfy in the water. So I took private swimming lessons for like 2 years and they were so worth it.

Even now I still get nervous when my feet can't touch bottom, but I can usually calm myself since I know how to swim. And I have enjoyed every single minute of the snorkeling opportunities it opened up, like being able to go on the boat excursions. Good luck! =)

You won't be alone with your water phobia on island. Ironically, most Jamaicans, women especially, but even
fishers who go out miles in a flimsy
boat to sea, can't swim a stroke and are deathly afraid of the water. You'll find Sienna and Sala and their guides
reassuring. Nothing to be embarrased about. I'll swim, bodysurf, surf, sail--but won't snorkel or dive at all, having been nearly drowned in post-hurricane riptides twice as a kid, an experience no lesson has ever counteracted (and believe me, I've tried to get rid of the phobia).

I am a decent swimmer but I was never thrilled about swimming in water over my head either. I loved swimming in deep swimming pools because I do enjoy diving down but I also wanted the assurance of the edge close by where I could hang on to. I think you have a very normal reaction/concern which, if you're like me, stems from the simple, primal fear of drowning. It's something you can get over through a little training and practice. When you can swim but know your abilities have limits, you start worrying about where you'll be able to rest. For me, I felt I could swim for a couple of minutes without touching bottom, but then I'd be really tired and need to either hold onto something or stand on something to rest. I also had a fear about getting a cramp. When I first tried snorkeling, I had the old fears about being over my head and not having somewhere to rest (hence, your concern about having a float). Maybe you're not afraid of deeper water, just not being able to survive in it? The first time I snorkeled was in Bermuda, and I had a panic attack when we swam about 75 feet from shore in about 15 feet of water. There was nowhere to rest except a rock outcropping another 25 feet away! My husband got me out to the rock, and I clung to it panting. As soon as I finally caught my breath, DH asked me if there was something wrong with my equipment. Nope. Then, he asked me to try just floating next to the rock and breath normally. When I did that for a while, it finally dawned on me that I wasn't going to drown, and I could rest wherever I was. When you breath through your snorkel, your lungs in your chest are like a floatation device. Your fins also float and help keep your feet up. Once I was comfortable with my mask and snorkel, I felt I could snorkel forever. You don't have to be a great swimmer to be a great snorkeler. Now I often snorkel for over an hour without touching bottom once. Floating and watching the sea life has become one of the greatest joys and relaxations in my life. IMO, make sure your snorkel and mask fits well and doesn't leak. Any experienced snorkeler/diver can help you get what we call "perfect seal" so water doesn't get into your mask. One stray hair can cause leakage. Very stressful for novices. Also, make sure someone helps you minimize clouding up of your mask. This is usually done by applying an anti-fog solution or even spitting into the inside of your mask, getting it all over the glass, and then rinse out with sea water just before you use it. Sounds gross, but is quite effective. Lastly, knowing all of the above, if you still use a vest or board, you'll have that extra security to allow you to enjoy snorkeling. Just remember, you won't drown and you can rest. It's such a wonderous world down there. Don't miss out! Sorry, this has been so long winded, but I really believe knowledge conquers fear. Now, I just have to start those flying lessons...

Tux...great cynopsis of the situation...

laustic I too am a novice swimmer. I've taken class at the local park (beginner & intermediate). That was a couple of years ago. After that, I was doing great, floating in the Keys, swimming in the pool @ the Tampa Hyatt, snorkeling off the beach in Boca Chica and feeling comfortable.

Well about 30 days ago I attempted to put what I learned to use again in the Exumas. The old saying goes "If you don't use it you will lose it" was quite appropriate for my situation.

If it wasn't for the shark wrangler Rich (Powerboat adventures) and his patience it would have been a bad situation. Water leaked into my gear & I panicked!!! Never happened to me before, totally hyperventalated. Rich kept me calm and called for the boat to come over as everyone else enjoyed one of the most beautiful snorkel sights ever!! My point to you is, stay calm...always.. and swim with a friend..As long as you have a floatation device on you should be able to relax and enjoy.

Because of that experience, I'm going to take another class and just get back into the water. I don't want to let fear defeat me. (though I do enjoy a doggy paddle :0)

I must say I do a pretty mean doggy paddle -- gets me where I need to go!