Get over my fear of open water

I’ve grown up and still growing up in Florida so I guess where my fear roots from. I’ve been swimming since a young child and I’m quite good at it. It’s just open waters, no matter how clear the water, I’m extremelly terrified that a shark or alligator will come out of nowhere. With all the death and injuries they cause, I’m scared to go in any waters but a pool; Even in a pool, I’m slightly paranoid. I really love snorkeling and would love to try scuba diving so I’m determined to get over my irrational fear…eventually

I don’t where this fear of open water came from! I guess if I had to pinpoint it, I had this nightmare.

To summarize; there was a giant sea creature beneath my feet as long as a skyscraper as I tread open waters. I don’t really have to go into detail about why that freaked me out.

My entire adult life, I’ve had a recurring nightmare of being out in the ocean, with huge waves breaking over my head. It becomes harder and harder to get a breath or keep my head up. I usually wake up in a cold sweat.

And now I am training for a triathlon! I’m actually considering hypnosis or past-life regression.

if i cant see or touch the bottom…. you can forget it!!!
i have a fear of something getting me and a fear of drowning. guess what….I was on the swim team in high school! ironic, huh?