Why was Douglas determined to get over his fear of water?

The fear of water had gripped his life since the age of 11 and it followed him everywhere and in everything he did. The fear of water stayed with Douglas for years. It deprived him of the joy of canoeing, boating and swimming. He used every way he knew to overcome the fear but in vain. He was in the grip of fear even as an adult. So finally he decided to overcome this fear by getting an effective training from a professional trainer.

Douglas regretted being deprived of enjoying water activities like canoeing, boating, swimming, fishing, etc. The wish to enjoy them and the craving to regain his lost confidence, while being in water, made him try every possible way to get rid of his fear. He was finally able to overcome this mental handicap by getting himself a swimming instructor and further ensuring that no residual fear was left.