Swimming in open water can be exhilarating, but safety is paramount. Whether you're enjoying it on or off our Open Swim Stars , here are a few tips to help you enjoy the experience with confidence.
Our advice
· Assess conditions: Before anything else, check the weather forecast, currents, tides, water temperature and water quality if necessary. Avoid swimming in unfavourable conditions, such as strong currents or poor visibility. Familiarizing yourself with navigation, waves and current management, can ensure your safety and performance.
· Use common sense: If you're a beginner open-water swimmer, choose calm and shallow waters. Swim alongside the coast rather than out to sea. Gradually increase distance and difficulty as you gain confidence and experience.
· Use a buddy system: Never swim alone! Always go with a friend or in a group, and make sure someone on shore knows your route and return time.
· Stay on course: Look up regularly to locate your position and maintain your direction. As with finding your towel on a busy beach, choose a fixed point on the shore, not the fluorescent-pink umbrella of the tourists who may decide to clear off! This is even more important when visibility is limited.
· Be visible: Choose a bright cap or pull an open water buoy for your safety and to increase your visibility to boaters and other swimmers. In short, get noticed! You need to be easy to spot in the water.
· Gear up properly: as you’ll know by now, seeing and being seen go hand in hand! Good goggles, at least anti-fog, will save you more than once. If you can't see a thing 2 feet away on land, it will be the same in the water: invest in goggles with your eye prescription. Open water is not heated, so a wetsuit is highly recommended to keep you warm. Last but not least, this open water buoy can also be used to take a little break in case of breakdown!
· Know your limits: Don't overestimate your abilities and fitness level, listen to your body. Open water can be more difficult than swimming in the pool, due to natural factors such as currents, waves and temperature. Be humble in the face of nature...
· Beware of wildlife: jellyfish, algae... Be aware of their potential dangers. Avoid swimming near fishing grounds, seaweeds, or other creatures. Even if you're a big fish, you're not scaring anyone.
· Knowing how to react when things go wrong: a sudden change in weather conditions or finding yourself isolated from other swimmers can happen. You need to be able to manage your stress and keep your energy. Similarly, in the event of cramps or fatigue, it's best to know what to do. A whistle to attract attention can come in handy. A float, him again, can help you take a break... Don't neglect this aspect in your preparation.
· Training: it's not just a footbath. To enjoy open-water swimming, you need to be well prepared. Focus your training on technique, strength, and endurance. Hydration and nutrition are equally important.
When it comes to open water, remember: safety first!
For more details on how to prepare, explore the articles on this Blog and find our training sessions on ourOpenSwim app.
