| Swimming in open water can make a pleasant | | | | fair skin, apply waterproof sunscreen at |
| change from the mind-numbing lengths of a | | | | least 20 minutes before your swim. Your skin |
| swimming pool. Instead of the claustrophobic | | | | can burn quite badly in the water if you |
| feeling of being enclosed in a swimming lane, | | | | don't take the necessary precautions. |
| you have a sense of freedom in the open | | | | |
| water. Any large expanse of water will do, | | | | 5) If you wear spectacles, consider |
| whether it is the ocean, a lake or a dam. | | | | prescription swimming goggles or daily |
| Open water swimming is great fun if you're | | | | disposable contact lenses with |
| training for a triathlon, iron-man | | | | non-prescription goggles over them . In the |
| competition or if you're just wanting to stay | | | | open water, it is important to see where |
| in shape and improve your stamina. It is | | | | you're going and to look out for any boats. |
| important not just to enjoy your swim, but | | | | |
| also to swim safely! Here are a few tips for | | | | 6) Swimming goggles come in various tints. |
| swimming in open water: (more great swimming | | | | Use blue lenses for cloudy days and dark |
| and diving tips can be found at | | | | lenses for bright, sunny days. |
| | | | |
| 1) Don't just take the plunge, especially if | | | | 7) Beware of fog. It's easy to lose sight of |
| the water is cold. Your body has to adjust to | | | | the shore and get lost in dense fog. |
| the water temperature gradually. If the water | | | | |
| is cold... below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you | | | | 8) If a lightning storm is brewing, don't |
| should wear a wet suit. A swim cap and | | | | swim. This is one electrifying experience you |
| earplugs help to keep your head warm. Ear | | | | want to avoid! |
| plugs also guard against earache and | | | | |
| infections. Ease yourself into the cold water | | | | 9) Chaffing can be a problem, especially in |
| and start with a session of around 15 minutes | | | | salt water. Rub petroleum jelly over areas of |
| the first time. | | | | friction if you are prone to chaffing. |
| | | | |
| You can then gradually increase your time in | | | | 10) Be careful of becoming entangled in |
| the water with each swim. | | | | seaweed when swimming in the ocean. Try not |
| | | | to kick when in seaweed as it tends to wrap |
| 2) Upon leaving the cold water after your | | | | around your legs. Also try to stay high in |
| swim, take your wet suit off, wrap yourself | | | | the water. |
| in a towel, have a warm drink and dress | | | | |
| warmly. Your body temperature drops quicker | | | | By following these practical tips, you can |
| in water and you need to get warm again. | | | | ensure that your open water swim is both an |
| | | | enjoyable and safe experience. Swimming is a |
| 3) For safety purposes, never swim alone. | | | | great way to keep in shape. Get into the |
| Always take a "swimming buddy" or join a swim | | | | water and have some fun! Just remember the |
| club and swim together in a group. In the | | | | old adage "if in doubt, get out." |
| open water, potentially dangerous situations | | | | |
| can arise. There are unknown elements such as | | | | Note to Publishers: You may freely republish |
| currents, boats, seaweed and fog which you | | | | this article as is, without editing or |
| may have to negotiate. If you have a buddy or | | | | modification, and all links must be kept |
| group, there is someone to help you if you | | | | live. The author, Gregory De Villiers, writes |
| get into difficulty. | | | | on a variety of sports and health topics. See |
| | | | for more great tips on swimming and diving. |
| 4) On hot sunny days, especially if you have | | | | |