Fear and Peace - How is it possible to feel both at the same time?

I love looking at or watching water...the beach, the lake, the river...I can just sit there and look at it, stare at it, and I would feel so at ease, so peaceful...

On my Pittsburgh trip I did that, I walked on the bridge and sat down for a little while by the water just taking in all the surroundings and relaxing...the water wasn't even that pretty or clean looking, but it still gave me a sense of peacefulness...

But while I'm sitting there staring into the water...I started wondering...how can I love it so much staring at it, sitting here taking it all in?  Why do I love it so much, when at the same time I fear it so much...How is that possible?

You see, I can't swim...I don't know how...I took swimming lessons when I was a little kid...but never did learn...I have had this terrorizing fear when I get in water that goes above my head....never been able to learn how to deal with it or stop fearing it...

The water doesn't even have to be deep, as soon as I get submerged in it, I freak out...My friends make fun of me because I can't even go on water slides...I went on one once, slid down, went under the water, and frantically flapped my arms around like I was drowning...finally found my balance, stood up, and cried...yep...I bawled...it was very very embarrassing...

So I'm sitting there looking at the water, peaceful for the moment, but at the same time thinking, I would be so scared if I fell in this water...

How is it possible?  Something that brings me such peace... could also terrorize me so?