November 5, 2003

Swimming School Vacations Help Ease Water Worries

Taking part in water sports is supposed to be an enjoyable part of a warm weather getaway. But for some, the mere idea of getting wet has them soaked with fear. Here's a way to fight the phobia and take the plunge on your next vacation.

Swimming in aquamarine water, snorkeling above an ocean teeming with tropical fish and plunging into the depths of a watery world are some of the joys of taking a tropical vacation. The problem: most people sit it out. According to a recent Gallup poll, 64 percent of American adults are afraid of deep water in the ocean and in lakes, while 39 percent are simply afraid of putting their heads under water, their fears forcing them to miss out on many of these exciting activities.

The Miracle Swimming Institute, an adult swimming school based in Schenectady, New York, runs a program developed by Melon Dash, a competitive swimmer. The program teaches adults to overcome their reluctance to get wet and to feel in control in a pool or an ocean.

Week-long vacation classes are taught in heated pools at various resort locations across the U.S. from the Catskills to Kona. Classes range from beginners to snorkeling and scuba, and in some places can even include swimming with the dolphins.

Classes combine dry land sessions with in-pool exercises to saturate you with confidence not concern, and help you break the surface of your water worries once and for all.

The week-long vacation courses run by the Miracle Swimming Institute start around $$1,500 without airfare, based on double occupancy. Most meals are not included. The upcoming locations for 2004 include Palm Springs, California at the Desert Hot Springs Hotel and Spa from February 9-13, at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, from March 15-19 and then at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge and Pool in Glenwood Springs, Colorado from May 24-28. For more information, log onto www.conquerfear.com or call 1-800-723-7946.

Now here's a deal you don't want to miss if you cruise of New York City this winter on the Norwegian Dawn to the Caribbean. Their winter weather guarantee provides a $$100 per person onboard credit if the Dawn's departure is delayed more than 12 hours due to weather. Or you can cancel without penalty and receive a credit for the same cabin category on a future Dawn cruise. Call Norwegian Cruise Lines at 1-800-327-7030 or visit www.ncl.com.

- Valarie D'Elia

From http://www.travelwithval.com/