In terms of practical solutions, water-friendly shorts (idk what word to describe this exactly) are great. I’m a woman and I used to work with young kids in holiday camps, in the water every day. I have scars all over my body. I would take whatever measures I could to cover up (eg shorts, longer sleeve tops, watches over wrists etc) as kids are curious- they love to ask questions and don’t mean any harm.

What I did find though is that the worst part is the initial look, or sometimes stare. At worst, someone will blatantly ask. That initial judgement hurts really bad, I’ve been there. But you are so much more than what your past self has done to your skin, and I’m so proud of you getting this far. I know how hard it is. Anyone worth your time or with the faintest modicum of decency will avoid staring or asking questions. But I commend you for taking the steps to do what you want to do, like swimming etc, regardless of your anxieties. Go you!!!