I, too, have always had a phobia of water/being submerged in it. Same thing - my parents never understood, since nothing traumatic ever happened to me regarding water...
I also can't wear turtleneck sweaters, or anything else that is tight against my throat - I feel like I'm choking/can't breathe. If I try to wear anything like that, I will spend most of the time clawing at my throat! So, needless to say, there is not one turtleneck sweater to be found in my wardrobe, lol!