My child has to have goggles to go in the water.

When a baby starts swimming at under 2 years old, they don't need goggles to swim but as they get older they become more sensitive.

Older children may develop a dependency on goggles because they are used to closing their eyes the tub or shower or water will sting their eyes.  If one day they go to a pool and forget their goggles, they won't go in the pool.  Or, they might jump in the pool and their goggles fall off, so they panic and may not be able to swim to safety.  

If we really want our children to be water safe we need to have them practice swimming with their eyes open without goggles.  The child needs to know that what they see will be blurry but they CAN SEE under the water.  Play the game that i call The Dolphin with a parent.  Here is D with his dad.

Or you can put a toy or a prize, on the step or in your hand for the child to get. Do it several times and make it a game!  It doesn't take a lot of time and it will help your child be more comfortable and secure in the water.  Practice several times a year especially if you see your child is depending on goggles to go in the water all the time.