Top Tips To Safely Swim In Open Water


Swimming is one of the few exercises that provides an all-over workout in one go, and thanks to the delicate resistance water gives a swimmer, can give you a rewarding exercise with less effort.

Cold and open water swimming, in particular, has some considerable benefits to circulation, providing you make sure you pack your swim leggings to keep yourself warm in the chilly waters.

With the weather cooling down and the days getting shorter, chances are you will want to take full advantage of the time you have to swim, so here are some top tips to safely and enjoyable swim in open waters.

Do Your Research

Like you would if you decide to go hiking or trekking, the best way to enjoy yourself the most and avoid potential problems is to prepare ahead of time.

Check the tide timetables and the weather forecast for the seas you plan to swim in. For this, the Met Office’s shipping forecast is ideal.

Try to swim at a beach with lifeguards and let them know of your plans if only so you can get expert suggestions from them about what to do. Have a look where other people are swimming, either by seeing people swimming, asking locals or checking out a local group.

Plan Your Exit Before You Enter

Before you step into the water, know where and when you are going to leave, and consider the effects of tidal flow and wind direction, in case they cause currents that make your first exit less possible.

Choose an exit that you can easily and quickly leave, such as a less rocky one.

Spot The Signs Of Rip Currents

Rip currents are formed from a build of water on the beach and they are the most dangerous type of wave you can face, as they can quickly and powerfully take you far out to see.

Before you get in the sea, see if you can debris on the surface of the sea, a churning of sand and seaweed, or a lack of breaking waves.

If you do get caught, do not fight the current. Try to swim near the shoreline if you can so once the rip current stops you can swim directly to the shore.

If you cannot get out of it, float or tread water and raise one arm to shore to signal for help. Do not panic.


Leave a comment


Please note, comments must be approved before they are published