Question

What did the instructor do to train Douglas?

Hint:

Patience, practice, and systematic training can help anyone overcome even their deepest fears.

Answer 1

Step 1: Background of Douglas’s fear.
Douglas had developed a deep fear of water since his childhood due to two traumatic incidents. To overcome this fear, he hired a swimming instructor who trained him systematically and patiently.
Step 2: Training of breathing.
The instructor first made Douglas practice inhaling and exhaling while his face was submerged in the water. This helped Douglas remain calm and comfortable underwater.
Step 3: Practice with a belt and rope.
The instructor used a rope attached to Douglas and made him practice in the pool. The instructor held on to the other end of the rope and pulled him back and forth, ensuring that Douglas felt safe and did not panic.
Step 4: Teaching coordinated strokes.
Douglas was then taught different swimming strokes one by one, such as the crawl stroke, breast stroke, and kicking movements, until his arms and legs moved naturally in water.
Step 5: Gradual confidence building.
The instructor gave him repeated practice until Douglas gained confidence and overcame his terror. Slowly, his fear of drowning was replaced by a sense of comfort and control.
Conclusion:
Thus, the instructor’s methodical and patient training transformed Douglas from a fearful boy into a confident swimmer, helping him defeat his lifelong fear of water.