People say I'm crazy when I tell them I haven't gone in the ocean since I was a kid. Over the years, I have grown a fear of the ocean. I have tried numerous times to force myself into the ocean but it just won't happen. Here are the reasons why:

1. Sharks

Of course many people say sharks don’t mean to bite you, but it’s a risk I really do not want to take.

2. Jellyfish

I always went in the ocean when I was a child. 9/10 of the times I left the water stung by a jellyfish. I’m sure these incidents scared me out of the water.

3. Stingrays

Imagine stepping down on the ocean floor and feeling a stingray under your foot. It happens. And again, I’d rather not get stung. No thank you.

4. Crabs

They have claws... I would like to keep all 10 of my toes.

5. Fish

I know this one sounds the strangest. But honestly fish freak me out and I do not get enjoyment out of seeing them swimming next to me.

6. Pool > Ocean

Pools have a lot less risks than oceans. I look at it as: why go in the ocean when I can just go in the creature free pool?

In the end, I enjoy swimming in water when I can see the bottom. I like to see what I could possibly be swimming with. In a pool, I don’t have to worry about a shark being nearby or even feeling a fish brush by my hip. When vacationing in places with clear, teal oceans, yes I go in the water! However, when it comes to the everyday ocean, you can catch me tanning and reading a book on the sand instead.