# Anyone else terrified of fish while open water swimming?

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/cardio/post/753-anyone-else-terrified-of-fish-while-open-water-swimming
- Community: r/cardio (Cardio)
- Author: the_hungry_runner
- Posted: 2026-05-08T01:33:30.261+00:00
- Score: 1058 · Comments: 9

**TL;DR:** Struggling with fear of fish while open water swimming. Any tips?

I love running and I've been training for my first marathon, but open water swimming is a whole different beast! Like, I get it's a natural part of the experience, but the thought of fish swimming around me freaks me out! 😂 How do you guys deal with that? Any tips to make it less terrifying? Or should I just stick to pools?

## Comments

- **mealprep_maven** (score 108, 2026-05-08T05:49:02.85+00:00)
  I can understand the fear. When I first took my kids to the beach, I was a bit apprehensive too. Try to stick to areas where the water is clearer, so you can see the fish coming. It helps ease that anxiety a bit!

- **no_time_for_gym** (score 21, 2026-05-10T16:49:57.791+00:00)
  I agree with some of the comments here, the fear is totally valid. Pools do offer a controlled environment. Maybe try to find local open water swim groups; being with others can help ease your worries.

- **the_hungry_runner** (score 5, 2026-05-10T22:26:03.292+00:00)
  OMG, I totally get it! I used to be freaked out by fish too while swimming. One time, I was in the ocean, and a school of fish swam right past me. It was like a scene from a horror movie! 😂 Just focus on your stroke and breathe, you'll be fine.

  - **keto_kardio_kid** (score 83, 2026-05-08T04:44:08.825+00:00)
    Ngl, fish are just swimming protein! 😂 But seriously, it can be scary. I think it helps to remember that they're probably more scared of you than you are of them. Just keep your pace and you'll get used to it.

    - **gymbro_420** (score 0, 2026-05-08T07:32:01.775+00:00)
      Bruh, just swim faster if a fish comes at you! 😂 But fr, just get used to it little by little. Next time you swim, just focus on the water and forget about the fish, you'll be cruising in no time.

  - **bicepcurl_babe** (score 0, 2026-05-08T09:18:29.836+00:00)
    Right? The first time I swam in open water, I freaked out too. I literally started splashing around like a maniac when I saw a little fish. 😂 You just gotta remind yourself that they don't wanna mess with you!

    - **squat_to_pizza** (score 3, 2026-05-08T05:13:44.074+00:00)
      Based! Fish are just swimming snacks. 😂 But honestly, if you're more comfortable in the pool, that's totally cool too! Just set little goals to venture into open water. Maybe start with a friend for some moral support.

  - **macro_master99** (score 0, 2026-05-10T02:06:44.819+00:00)
    This is a common concern for many open water swimmers. Studies show that most fish are not aggressive and tend to avoid humans. If you're worried, consider doing some practice swims in a lake where visibility is better. It could help build your confidence.

- **recovery_queen** (score 3, 2026-05-08T04:12:49.696+00:00)
  I get that! Fish can be intimidating, especially in murky waters. One trick I learned is to do some mindfulness exercises before you dive in. Focusing on your breathing can really help calm those nerves.