64-year-old Margaret Walker who lives in Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire started out on Sport Aberdeen’s Aquaphobia programme in May 2023 to conquer her fears of water.

She tells us all about her experience on the programme and why others should get involved.

“My fear of water started from an accident when I was younger, I went backwards and fell under the water at Bon Accord Baths.

“I can remember from my school days that people who say ‘just get in the water, it’s fun’ or they’d tell me I was ‘being stupid’ and shouldn’t be scared.

“About 10 years ago, I worked at the former Patio Hotel located on the Beach Boulevard. The Leisure Manager there at the time offered me to do one-to-one sessions but I still didn’t want to.

“It was in April 2023 last year that I decided to sign up for Sport Aberdeen’s aquaphobia programme and then I started going along in May.

“I was absolutely petrified, and my stomach was a bag of nerves before my first session. I’ll admit, I burst into tears the first time getting into the water.

“The teacher took it very slowly with me, I started with big strides to get me used to moving in the water and then I felt I was ready for the next step along.

“Now I can take my arm bands off and have my head under water, I was even able to do a bit of breast stroke.

“What a difference! When I was younger, I wouldn’t even let water go over my face in the shower – in the class, the instructors teach you how to breathe in the water. Now I know how to push and glide towards the side of the pool.

“Before when me and my husband John would go on holiday, I would never go in the water. However, in September 2023 on holiday in Lanzarote, my husband was so shocked to see me in the pool… I did it!

“I do sometimes wish I could have done the lessons sooner, but this felt like the right time for me – I knew in myself that this time, I was ready.

“Now I feel so chuffed and proud of myself. I’m able to move away from the side and splash around, and I love floating on my back. I’d never have been able to do that before.

“My family have been very encouraging along the way, so I have to thank them.

Above: Margaret Walker at the swimming pool at Get active @ Northfield.

“My word of advice for anyone looking to start is to bite the bullet, don’t let the fear hold you back. Be ready and want to do it.

“I can tell you from experience that the fear in your head is worse than what the actual thing is. Once you get past that first step, it gets easier from there.

“It’s such a nice group of ladies at the class, we are all similar in age which helps, and they are all really lovely people. I have been attending the Tuesday class every week since May.

“I first discovered the class when I saw Jenny Gillon’s article in the newspaper around this time last year.

“I’m pleased to say that I finished the aquaphobia programme on 30^th January 2024 and I hope at some point to take up adult swimming lessons closer to home.”

If you feel inspired by Margaret’s story, you can find out more about Sport Aberdeen’s Aquaphobia programme here.

Margaret’s story was also covered in the Press & Journal online here.