[Fluffypig]

I have a fear of pool drains and filters so much so I don't swim anymore, years ago my hair was sucked into one and I had to be cut out, this is where the fear came from. I have as lifesavers qualification but can't do it as the pool has filters in them. Its ruining my pool life, I love to swim.

[Skeezyks]

Hello Fluffy: I see this was your first post here on PC. I'm sorry you're only now being greeted. Please forgive us. We're generally better than this. However under any circumstances... welcome to PsychCentral! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

I'm sorry you are struggling with this most difficult fear. I won't go into the details... but I do know that pool drains can be a serious hazard. I'm sure it is of little comfort to you. But you're actually fortunate it was your hair. It could have been even worse. I'm not surprised your experience left you with this phobia.

You didn't mention if you've done anything in the way of therapy for this concern. One therapy that is often used to treat this type of condition is, I believe, what is sometimes referred to as "exposure therapy". Family therapist, Kati Morton has a video on her YouTube channel on this subject. Here's a link to that video:

It's great you have your lifesavers qualification. Hopefully you will be able to find a way to overcome your frightening experience. My best wishes to you...

[thett63]

I have the same fear. I had taken swimming lessons at 5 years old. They wanted us to jump off the diving board. If we were hesitant, then they would say that the dragon would come up from the drain. I know that this is ridiculous, but that's my fear. No matter what size drain it is, I'm very terrified. If I can't see the drain, I'm better off, but I always look for where the drain is when I get into an unknown pool. I am an avid swimmer and was a diver growing up. It was very hard for me to dive with this fear. I would do my trick and quickly swim to the side. One time after a dive, I happened to touch the drain. OMG! I was so scared! I never overcame it. I'm 56 years old and still terrified. I'm getting better with the underwater lights but I never had a fear of the filters though. I never went to a therapy for it.

[GGChar]

I can totally understand! You have very good reason to be scared. What an awful experience. I think the idea of exposure therapy is a good one. Also, be sure your hair is securely tied so there is no chance of that happening again. Then maybe a kids pool where you can sit next a drain at first?

I hope you can get back to what you love!

[Mountaindewed]

Man I thought I was the only one who had this fear. Shower drains freak me out a bit too because of a Rugrats episode.

I got sick in a public pool when I was 5 and puked in the drain and the pool.

Do you ever remember seeing Are You Afraid Of The Dark when you were a kid? If you did then that may be part of it.