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