Deep Water
by William Douglas
Overall Plot Summary
This autobiographical essay describes the author's fear of water and how he finally overcame it. His aversion began at age three when waves knocked him down at a California beach. At age ten, he decided to learn swimming at the YMCA pool in Yakima, which was safe. However, a 'big bully' boy threw him into the nine-foot-deep end of the pool. Douglas went down to the bottom three times, struggling to breathe and paralyzing with terror before losing consciousness. He was saved but developed a severe phobia of water that ruined his fishing, boating, and canoeing trips. Years later, he hired a swimming instructor who built his skills step-by-step using a belt and rope. After months of practice, Douglas swam across Lake Wentworth and Warm Lake, conquering his fear. He concludes that 'all we have to fear is fear itself'.
Chapter-wise Breakdown
Childhood Aversion and YMCA Pool
Douglas details his early fear of water from California beach. He joins YMCA pool to learn swimming, which seems safe compared to the treacherous Yakima River.