How to learn swimming just by myself? ?

I am ashamed to say that I am a coward who gets hydrophobic everytime when I am in the pool. After watching Michael Phelps made history, I am determined to conquer the fear and learn how to swim----all by myself. Therefore, two questions I have for you----how to conquer the fear in the water, and how to actually able to master swimming basics just by myself with no one teaching me?