Sales of water-related fetishes surged 47% between February and August last year, according to Clips4Sale, a platform for adult content creators. Christy Verville, who works directly with creators on the site, reports similar trends this year as heatwaves scorch the UK.
What Is Aquaphilia?
Clinical sexologist Ness Cooper explains that aquaphilia is a broad term for sexual arousal triggered by water. "Think any water, from fountains in the park, to being splashed on," she says. Searches for 'SCUBA' and 'underwater' are among the top 10 most searched fetishes in the UK currently.
Why Is It Becoming Popular?
Verville believes individual creators are driving the trend. "Big production studios avoided pool scenes because they were difficult to shoot — too much chlorine, sunburn and exposure," she says. "But a creator can really zero in on a fetish, whether that's a sexy pose with a beach ball or falling into a pool fully dressed." She notes that beaches and pools are already eroticised zones, and online searches often involve someone swimming in a bikini under the surface or the "wet look" — emerging from water with glistening hair or getting caught in a rainstorm in a white t-shirt.
The Appeal of Underwater Kinks
Cooper points out that some people want to be in the water themselves. "The weightlessness which water offers can allow some people to feel they lose control slightly and that turns them on," she says. Others enjoy the sensation of floating and the temperature differences. The scuba fetish, meanwhile, gained attention after the character The Deep appeared in The Boys. "There are some who just enjoy the items and clothing associated with scuba activity, and many of these can be seen as a fetish in themselves as rubber, silicone, and neoprene are all turn-ons," Cooper says. Breathing apparatus also falls under breath play, altering oxygen intake and leading to a heady, arousing experience.
Risks and Safety Precautions
Practicing any fetish involving water or breathing apparatus carries risks. Cooper advises using a private pool to avoid exposing others without consent. Strong swimming skills are essential. For scuba gear, allergies to rubber are a concern, and tight clothing restricting breathing should be worn only for short periods with a partner checking in regularly. Signs of dizziness or non-responsiveness require immediate attention. For those wanting to explore safely, VR games can simulate the sensory input of water without the physical risks.
