In his book Eaters of the Dead, Michael Crichton talked about how the main character, an Arab in Medieval times, was kind of forced to accompany some Vikings on a quest. Towards the end, the Arab and the Vikings must use ropes to climb down a cliff. The Arab tries to explain to the Vikings that he is terrified of heights. The Viking chieftain tells him that he will always remember this day, for it is the day he defeated his fear. The Vikings rope him up and they climb down the cliff. Years later, the Arab said he could climb the highest minaret without fear, and he always remembered the day he conquered his fear of heights.
Now, you don't have to confront it the way ibn Fadlan did. You confront it in little steps, but each time you go a little further, get used to it, and then continue to challenge yourself until you're not afraid. Then, enjoy having access to 70% of the earth's surface! When you can swim without fear, go snorkeling! Go diving! Go sailing! It's a blast.
I'm sure that public swimming pools probably have classes that deal with people who have a fear of swimming. They will probably use the method that I just spelled out for you (gradually getting used to the water and going a little further each time).
Perhaps it would help more if you found a really good looking swimming instructor... ;)
By the way, you have a talent, mei, for finding the cutest memes.
I had similar experience. I can suggest to find a calm desolate place near river, lake, sea, ocean and take your time to come close to water. Touch it, play with it, take your time as much as needed. You can also just sit near it and stare at water surface.
Point is to gradually get accustomed to water, water source in calm environment without any noise, stress.
Water by itself is a source of healing, relaxing. If you still find it hard to get into river, lake, sea, ocean, you can try to start with creek.
After you become more or less comfortable with water, you can seek for a private lessons at pool, so you could work at your own pace. Because when I learned how to swim, there was a lot of people, we all had to do the same exercises and we were given some, somewhat flexible, but still time limit.
I know those fears you got in childhood stays with you for long time. I have too, i know. Start with step by step. Do not expect yourself swimming at first. Get in water. Learn to enjoy it. Water is so relaxing and gives lots of serenity if you know how to enjoy. You need to be relax. Just relax. Usually what drowns us in water is ourselves. Because we get panicked. If i were you i would take private courses. They teach you slowly. You can beat your fear. Do not let it beat you :)
Unfortunately the only way is to confront it. We overcome fear by exposing ourselves to what we fear again and again. You keep doing this until your body adapts and no longer feels that fear. I think this is called habituation. I strongly recommend swimming lessons. Many programs do have adult classes in reasonably shallow water :) Give it a go :)
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