Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Aquaphobia in children is an intense fear of water that goes beyond typical nerves about swimming or splashing—it can cause serious distress around pools, beaches, or even bath time. Kids might cry, panic, or avoid water altogether. While many children go through brief phases of water fear, aquaphobia becomes a concern when it persists and interferes with daily life. It can be triggered by a bad experience, sensory sensitivities, or feeling out of control. With the right treatment for aquaphobia in children, including support from a clinical psychologist and evidence-based strategies like CBT, most kids can gradually build confidence and feel more at ease around water.
If these signs are ongoing and interfere with daily life, it may be time to explore treatment for aquaphobia in children, such as support from a clinical psychologist.
Crying, panic, or tantrums near water (even during bath time or handwashing).
Avoiding pools, beaches, or swimming lessons.
Refusing to put their face in the water or becoming distressed when water touches their head or eyes.
Clinging tightly to caregivers around water.
Physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, shaking, or feeling sick when near water.
Verbal expressions of fear, like saying “I’m scared of water” or “I don’t want to go near it.”
Difficulty calming down after a water-related experience.
Fear of water can occur even without a previous frightening experience.
One review estimates that aquaphobia affects around 2–3% of the general population, although this is not a child-specific estimate.
A study of 48 children aged 3–8 found that direct exposure to water reduced fear and avoidance.
Children’s fear of water may develop without a clear triggering event, rather than always following a frightening experience.
Fear of water can make swimming, bath time and other water-related activities distressing for some children. When this fear is intense and persistent, it may be a sign of aquaphobia, also known as water phobia. Children may avoid water altogether or experience significant anxiety when expected to enter a pool or participate in water-based activities.
Research by Menzies and Clarke (1993) examined treatment for water phobia in 48 children aged 3–8. The study found that children who received direct exposure to water showed significant improvements in their fear and avoidance. These improvements were largely maintained at a three-month follow-up.
The findings support gradual, direct exposure as a useful approach to treating childhood water phobia. Treatment should be tailored to the child’s level of fear and introduced at a pace they can manage.
Gradual exposure involves helping children become more comfortable around water through small, manageable steps. Depending on the child’s needs, this might begin with standing near a pool before progressing to sitting at the edge or entering shallow water when ready.
The aim is to build confidence through safe, repeated experiences rather than forcing a child to confront their fear before they feel prepared.
CBT can help children recognise anxious thoughts and learn ways to manage their fear. Age-appropriate strategies, such as stories, games and relaxation exercises, may help children understand their feelings and develop confidence.
Parents and swimming instructors can help create calm, supportive experiences around water. Where appropriate, collaboration between a psychologist and a qualified swimming instructor may help a child practise coping strategies while developing water confidence and swimming skills.
Psychological treatment and swimming lessons serve different purposes, so any collaboration should respect the child’s emotional needs and water safety.
Research suggests that direct, gradual exposure can help children with water phobia, although the available evidence is limited and further research is needed. With appropriate support, children can work towards managing their fears at a pace suited to their needs.
If your child’s fear of water is affecting everyday activities, a psychologist can help assess their difficulties and develop an individualised treatment plan.
*Source: Menzies, R. G., & Clarke, J. C. (1993). A comparison of in vivo and vicarious exposure in the treatment of childhood water phobia. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 31(1), 9–15.
Let your child explore water slowly—splashing feet or playing with toys in a shallow tub is a great start.
Break down water activities into simple steps using pictures or drawings to help them feel prepared.
Acknowledge their fears without pressure—small wins build long-term confidence.
Call us on 02 9438 2511, email hello@mindboxpsychology.com.au or send us an enquiry. Our reception team will answer your questions.
We’ll match you with a clinical psychologist who works with your concern, face-to-face in St Leonards or through online counselling anywhere in Australia.
Your first session is 60 minutes. You don’t need a referral to book, but with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, holding Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We provide treatment for aquaphobia in children using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), along with other evidence-based approaches such as gradual exposure and mindfulness strategies.
More about phobias in children: Phobias in children · Bug and spider phobia · Dog phobia · Fear of the dentist · Fear of needles · Fear of vomiting (emetophobia) · Fear of the dark (nyctophobia) · Fear of heights (acrophobia) · Fear of storms (astraphobia) · Fear of doctors and medical procedures · Phobias in adults
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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