Question

How did Douglas overcome his fear of water?

Answer 1

After his misadventure in the pool at the Y.M.C.A, Douglas was amidst the fear of the water. He realised that his fishing trips, canoeing, swimming and boating were over. He tried his best to overcome it but the fear of drowning followed him everywhere. Finally he decided to engage an instructor to learn swimming and to overcome his fear. He went to the pool and practiced five days a week, an hour each day. The instructor put a belt around him and a rope was attached to the belt. The rope went through a pulley that ran an overhead cable.the instructor held one end of the rope and Douglas went back and forth across the pool. On each trip some of the terror would seize him up. After three months, the tension began to decrease. 
Piece by piece he shed the panic. The instructor taught him to put his face under water and exhale. He also learnt how to raise his nose and inhale. This exercise was repeated hundreds of times. Now he was able to shed part of the fear that seized him under water. He went to lake Wentworth Triggs island and Stamp Act island. He swam two miles across the lake. Now he was determined and he swam on. He shouted with joy. He had conquered his fear of water

Answer 2

William Douglas overcame his fear of water through a combination of professional help and gradual exposure to swimming. Here is a step-by-step summary of how he did it:

1. Professional Help: Douglas hired an experienced swimming instructor to help him overcome his fear. The instructor's methodical and systematic approach played a crucial role in rebuilding Douglas's confidence in water.

2. Step-by-Step Approach: The instructor began by making Douglas comfortable in the water. He used a rope tied to Douglas, ensuring his safety while he learned the basics of swimming. Over time, this method allowed Douglas to gain confidence without the fear of drowning.

3. Learning Techniques: Douglas learned various swimming techniques, starting with basic strokes and gradually moving to more advanced ones. This technical knowledge helped him feel more in control while in the water.

4. Gradual Exposure: The instructor gradually exposed Douglas to deeper water, slowly increasing the depth as Douglas's confidence grew. This gradual exposure helped him acclimate to different water conditions without overwhelming his senses.

5. Practice and Repetition: Douglas practiced swimming regularly, repeating the techniques he learned until they became second nature. This repetition helped solidify his skills and further reduce his fear.

6. Facing the Fear: Despite the progress, Douglas still had moments of panic. He overcame these by facing his fear head-on, intentionally putting himself in challenging situations to test his newfound skills and confidence.

7. Persistence and Determination: Douglas's persistence and determination to conquer his fear were key factors in his success. He didn't let setbacks deter him and continued to push himself until he was completely comfortable in water.

Through this combination of professional instruction, gradual exposure, consistent practice, and sheer determination, William Douglas was able to overcome his fear of water and enjoy swimming confidently.