I was away for a weekend with my family - first one since the accident - and went to go into the shallow end just to float around. As I entered I found I could NOT keep my balance. Every time my husband let go of my hands, I fell backwards. I tried to focus really hard and it happened every time. I really wanted to do pool therapy but I don't see how that is an option now.

Vision is a big part of our balance mechanism. Water does not provide a good visual reference. It may help to try to keep your eyes on something solid as you enter the pool. It may also help to try this with a water therapist.

I still get dizzy in the pool, either swimming or just watching other swimmers, or even just watching the motion of the water. When I first returned to swimming, I had to look at an exit sign on the door beyond the end of the pool just to get my equilibrium. The lights shimmering off the water, the motion of the water, the waves created by the swimmers, the lane lines on the bottom, and then the different colors of suits and caps was a little overwhelming. It got a little better when I got my eye focus under control, but it still makes me feel "off" when I'm in or around the water. When I'm swimming laps, sometimes I'll switch to using a swimmer's snorkel and stay off the center line - if I don't have to turn my head, it's a lot easier. Good luck!