If You Have a Fear of Deep Water, You Probably Exhibit These 6 Traits, a Psychologist Says

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If You Have a Fear of Deep Water, You Probably Exhibit These 6 Traits, a Psychologist Says originally appeared on Parade.
It's natural to exercise healthy caution and take safety precautions in deep water. You know, wearing a life preserver or not venturing far out in the ocean if a lifeguard isn't on duty. However, some people's fear of deep water runs...deep. They may avoid cruise ships or even sitting by the ocean. People may have one or several reasons for this distress."Some people are afraid of deep water because of a fear of the unknown or the unseen," explains Dr. Brandy Smith, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist specializing in anxiety and coping skills with Thriveworks. "A person may have an active imagination of what could possibly happen or could go wrong. The person may have seen or heard scary things that have happened or could happen in deep water."Fears don't define us—and we can overcome them. However, they can offer clues into our broader personalities. Below, Dr. Smith shares the six telltale traits of people with deep water fears. She also discusses tips for dipping your toes into managing water-related anxiety.Related:
6 Common Personality Traits of People With Fears of Deep Water, a Psychologist Says
1. Struggle with the unknown and unseen
Dr. Smith frequently sees this trait in people who are terrified of deep water. It often stems from a desire to maintain control."This person may have a broader tendency to struggle with the unknown or unseen rather than it being limited to just one area," she says. "The person may like to feel a sense of control over as much as possible within their environment."Related:
2. Avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations
People who are fearful of deep water are often inclined to avoid settings that make them anxious, hoping to circumvent distress. "This could take the form of not being on or around deep water or bodies of water in general," Dr. Smith shares. "It could also involve not watching movies or shows that involve deep water."However, this avoidance becomes a problem if it goes too far and prevents people from participating in fun daily activities. You don't want to be so afraid of sinking that you never try to swim, after all.Related:
3. Overactive imaginations
This one can make navigating life a challenge."Someone with an overactive imagination can generate a wider variety of fearful scenarios, which is not going to help reduce their fear," Dr. Smith says. "This person may also end up being a 'yes, but...' conversationalist if talking with someone who is working to reassure them."So, it could sound like, "Yes, I could go on this boat on a lake, but what if a gust of wind tips it over and we drown?" It might also sound like, "Sure, I could apply for this job, but what if I hate my boss, get fired and wind up drowning in debt?"Related:
4. Stubborn, especially with fears of water
Dr. Smith says people with a deep fear of water may not entertain scenarios involving safe ways to interact with water, such as wearing a life jacket."This person may have a hard time believing that there could be any consistency of safe ways to be within deep water," she explains. "They may have the view that people were 'just lucky' when nothing 'bad' happened."This trait can become extra problematic if water is a regular part of a person's life or if it seeps into other areas, such as driving, attending large gatherings or working in an office above the first floor.Related:
5. They do their research
Education isn't a bad thing. However, Dr. Smith reveals that people with deep-seated fears will often over-educate themselves on what could go wrong."In those times, it can increase the person's anxiety because they are not exposing themselves to a wide enough range of education," she says. "Rather, they are skewing their knowledge to the 'horror' stories of what could or has gone awry before."This overeducation process can have a ripple effect on other, smaller fears. It can prompt people to learn all about the worst-case scenarios, which can worsen these fears, making it hard for them to participate in essential and enjoyable activities, such as attending a pool party or flying to see a friend.
6. Bent on being 'right'—at least about their fear
Again, there's something to be said for having a "healthy" fear of something, like water too deep to stand in. It helps you stay safe. However, people who are hyper-fixated on the trigger can also start to heavily focus on convincing others about how right they are."Realistically, they may occasionally be right about the level of risk, but other times, their fear is disproportionate to the circumstances," Dr. Smith says. "This trait can be encompassed with the sentiment that this person has 'drunk the Kool-Aid' and is working to get other people to 'drink it, too.' This person may think they know the 'truth' about the level of risk and work to convince others about it."However, this one can damage relationships. People may find it annoying or begin to share the irrational fears—and not to their benefit.Related:
3 Tips for Overcoming Fears of Deep Water
1. Wade into it
Dr. Smith says some people benefit from gradually easing into facing their deep-water fears. For instance, you might start in the shallow end of the pool and then progress to deeper waters little by little at a pace that works for you. Related:
2. Explore concerns
Dr. Smith suggests getting curious about your concerns on your own. A support person or mental health provider might also help you identify the reason for your fears."For some people, they learn that some concerns can be addressed with learning more, like educating about how likely something is or is not based on facts and science, which can help reduce their fear," Dr. Smith says.Related:
3. Take precautions to feel safe
Dr. Smith suggests that this step may involve having someone or multiple people accompany you as you expand your comfort zone."You can also consider...a life vest, floats and ropes that give you something to tether to while you stretch yourself to new experiences and depths," Dr. Smith shares.
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Dr. Brandy Smith, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist specializing in anxiety and coping skills with Thriveworks
If You Have a Fear of Deep Water, You Probably Exhibit These 6 Traits, a Psychologist Says first appeared on Parade on Aug 1, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 1, 2025, where it first appeared.