Wetsuit Necessity?

[Wahine]

While 1/2 mile doesn't seem long, I started thinking about how long that is in a pool lap-wise and it started concerning me. That and I thought if the swim was easier, my bike and run portions would then be easier. I never thought about panic in the water though I've read about it and maybe I'm thinking TOO much about it! I'm really scared of heights and I know the "freezing up" feeling all too well.

Based on what you've written here, I would go with a wetsuit.