Terrified and cold there I stood, still regretting coming to "Lake Hemet" for a swim. The freezing water touched my toes, it felt such as the north pole had rushed there and back. I waited there wanting to run back to warmth. I would flashback and wish I could return time to when I was eating, or when I was at my house! Now I was there at the foot of the lake, no turning back.

Pretending not to hear them as they roared at me, I observed every inch out in the lake. I saw the floatables, they looked cool and smooth. The sand felt good under my feet. The salty breeze hit me, while my hair hit my face. The air smelled salty and felt moist. For a second I felt myself in the ocean, but knew it wasn't true.

After three minutes which felt like eternity, they howled back, "Are you coming or what?"

"Yes," I said loud enough for them to hear me.

"Hurry then, we will wait here."

I tried moving toward them but it felt like I was freezing one degree celsius per step. I turned around hoping they haven't seen me. I ran as fast as i could to warmth. They followed, and grabbed me

They dragged me thru the sand, made a countdown, and threw me into the water. I skipped a beat, I had no reaction. Shocked and terrified I lay there.

Not to make a fool of myself I swam further in, I felt scared but saw the rest having fun. I made a choice, to be happy and enjoy like them or even better. I climbed the floatables and threw myself from a big slid the others were scared of.

I have a fear of dark and deep water bodies. I could get rid of my fear by actually experiencing it. Other can learn as well, know you can take risks and love challenges.