Dreaming about Swimming – Interpretations 

Dreaming about swimming is quite common, especially if you’re someone who either loves swimming or is afraid of it. For some, dreaming about swimming can be a calming experience while for others, it can be frightening or even traumatizing. 

If you’ve just had a dream about swimming, and you’re wondering what it could possibly mean, there are several factors to consider. A swimming dream could have many interpretations, and whether they’re positive or negative depends on the various elements of the dream such as where you’re swimming, who you’re with, and what you felt during the dream.

Dreams about Swimming – Some Common Scenarios 

what it means to dream about swimming

Dreaming of Drowning While Swimming

If you have a fear of swimming or of large bodies of water, dreaming about drowning while swimming can be quite common. It’s also common if you’re currently going through some problems that are causing you emotional distress in your waking life. If this is a recurring dream, it could be a strong sign that you may need to quickly identify the source of these problems and work on solving them. It’s possible that you may need to seek professional help in order to do this. 

Dreaming of Swimming in the Sea or Ocean

Dreaming about swimming in the sea or the ocean is often an indication that you’re having trouble controlling your emotions. Since the ocean is made up of tides that cause waves to be pulled in different directions, this dream could mean that your emotions are doing the same to you. 

If you see a tidal wave or get caught in a storm while swimming in the ocean or sea, it suggests that something in your waking life is causing you to feel overwhelmed. Swimming under the water could represent feelings that you have hidden and aren’t willing to face.

Dreaming of Swimming in a Pool

swimming in a pool

If you dream of swimming in a pool and are enjoying yourself doing it, it could mean that you’re currently in a good place in your waking life. However, if the pool has rough waves, a current, or a whirlpool, the dream could be a sign that you need to deal with your emotional issues as soon as possible before they get out of hand. The rough waters tend to represent emotional distress.

Dreaming about Swimming in a River

If you dream about swimming in a smooth-flowing river, it implies that you’re lucky and that you lead a comfortable life. It’s possible that you live a calm, peaceful life and don’t typically experience a lot of negative emotions. 

On the other hand, dreaming about struggling to swim in a river against strong currents symbolizes that you’re experiencing some sudden changes in your life. If you haven’t experienced any such changes yet, it’s likely that you will soon.  

Dream of Swimming in a Flood

Dreaming about swimming in a flood can be a representation of a ‘flood’ of emotions you’re currently going through because of a negative experience. Perhaps you’ve lost something or someone important to you, or you’ve failed at something you had high hopes about. 

This dream could be triggered by your subconscious mind, to give you a sign that it’s time to learn how to deal with these emotional floods. 

Dreaming about Swimming in Clear Water

To dream about swimming in clear water is a sign that you’re going through a period of clarity in your waking life. You may be feeling in touch with your emotions and your sense of wellbeing. Clear water is also a positive sign that your subconscious mind is at peace with itself. 

Dreaming about Swimming in Dark Blue Water

If the water you’re swimming in is a very dark blue, it suggests your deep unconscious emotions. If you felt uncomfortable as you swam in the water, it could mean that you’re feeling uncomfortable about embracing the emotions. 

The dark deep blue water could also symbolize that there’s some work to be done related to your emotional state and it’s important to start dealing with these deep emotions by confronting them and trying to embrace them.

Dreaming about Swimming in Dirty Water

Dirty water is another symbol of an emotional state that’s out of balance. These dreams could also represent feelings of negativity and nervousness in your everyday life.

If you’re swimming in dirty waters, it signifies that your thoughts and negative feelings are overwhelming you to the point where you feel like it’s out of control. It could be a sign to take some time off for yourself from your busy schedule. 

Dreaming about Swimming with an Animal

If you dreamed about swimming with an animal, it could mean that you may need to start paying attention to the others around you instead of focusing only on yourself. It’s possible that your busy lifestyle may have caused you to become distanced from your loved ones. If this is the case, this dream could be a reminder that you need to make time for them.  

Swimming with whales could symbolize the feeling of independence and confidence. It’s also likely that you’re looking for a partner and you want to start a romantic relationship soon. If you’re swimming with dolphins, it represents security and being carefree. 

Dreams about Swimming Underwater

swimming under water

If you dreamed about swimming underwater and you found it hard to breathe, it could be a warning to watch out for danger in your waking life. If you’re unable to keep your head above the water or are slowly descending to the bottom, then it’s likely that you’re experiencing being trapped by your own emotions in real life.

If you had fun swimming underwater, however, the dream could have a positive interpretation instead, implying that some or all of your wishes will soon come true. 

Dreams about Swimming with Your Partner

Dreaming about swimming with your partner can be related to the relationship you have in your waking life. If you enjoyed spending this time with your partner, it could mean that your relationship is healthy and strong enough to overcome any obstacles it may face. 

On the other hand, this dream could be a warning to you to be careful in the coming days. It’s possible you may have to face some challenges or sudden changes that could strain your relationship, depending on how you choose to deal with them. 

Dreaming of Others Swimming 

To see others swimming in your dream and you being unable to join them could be a sign that you’re feeling overwhelmed with work or certain projects that you have undertaken. 

if this is a recurring dream, then you may have to start working on reconnecting with people, finding more time for them, and improving your communication with them.

Dreams about Swimming Away from Someone

If you dream about swimming away from someone, it could be a sign that you’re trying to get away from someone who’s making your life unpleasant or even threatening you.  You may be feeling trapped and as though you have no way out. While you may not want to face the reality, your subconscious mind could be telling you that you should work on finding a way to deal with the problem or in case of a dangerous situation – flee from imminent danger. 

On the other hand, if you’re swimming toward someone, it could be an indication that you’re ready to face the challenges in your life or reconnect with the people in your life.

Dreaming of Swimming with Clothes On

While this dream scenario may seem unusual, it’s a lot more common than you would think. It may mean that you likely rely on the support of the people in your life and that you need and expect their protection. 

This might be a clue that you need to work on your independence or that you may simply need a push from someone to get through a difficult time, be it your family, friends, or your loved ones. 

In Brief 

Dreaming about swimming usually has something to do with tackling issues or changes in your waking life. In order to interpret these dreams as accurately as possible, it’s important to try and remember the details and context of the dream. The more elements you can remember, the easier it is to understand its meaning.  

Affiliate Disclosures

Apsara Palit
Apsara Palit

After completing her post-grad in Values, Ethics and Indian Culture, Apsara is sharing her knowledge of symbolism, mythology, history and culture through her blogs. Apsara lives in India and believes in getting a first-hand understanding of culture through travelling.