Let's Swim Safely!

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If you are struggling, remember to keep calm, face the shore and signal for help by raising one arm. Decide how long you are going to be in the sea for, then walk from your exit point up to where you plan to get in. This gives you a good view of any potential hazards.

As an open water swimmer, you are responsible for your own safety. Wiseman told Live Science: "Gathering information on potential risks and hazards is a gradual process – you can do this both before you set on a location and when you get to your chosen swimming spot. Ask yourself, is it safe for me to swim? Do your own risk Safety tips

How to swim safely

Water wings and pool noodles are toys — not drowning prevention devices,” Smith says. Especially in the ocean, the wind and current can carry kids offshore or lure kids into deeper water to chase a toy that got away from them. “Floatable toys should be used by those who are capable to be in areas of the water safely without them,” Ramos adds. 6. Follow Any Posted Water Safety Rules

Keep well hydrated - if you are doing lengths, keep a water bottle by the edge of the pool, and keep drinking. You might not realise how hot you are getting since the water keeps you cool.

Learning how to swim in the ocean comes with time and experience, and respecting the sea is one of the first steps, explained Wiseman. The number one way to stop people from drowning is to swim with supervision — with a lifeguard and never alone — and to learn to swim at an early age,” Fisher says. On spring tides, high tides are higher and low tides are lower. In other words, spring tides are the biggest difference in water heights and have stronger currents. They occur every two weeks. Neap tide (first and third quarter moon) As well as the obvious physical benefits of swimming in the ocean, there are several health and wellbeing perks too, particularly as a Centre for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison study found that the less we interact with nature the more disconnected our lives become. choosing the location carefully and avoid swimming in water with blue-green algal blooms or scums in freshwaters

If you do become unwell with diarrhoea or any other symptoms, seek medical help and let them know you have been open water swimming. Do not swim again until you have had no diarrhoeal symptoms for at least 48 hours, or for a longer period if advised by a doctor. Information on bathing water and beach risks

Open Water Events

This isn’t foolproof, but it removes a lot of unknowns that contribute to drownings, like the waves and currents and sudden dropoffs into deeper water that you can experience at the beach,” Fisher says. 3. Be Prepared for an Emergency Before You Hit the Water

But swimming in the ocean could be one way to reconnect with nature – and ourselves, said cold water fan and extreme athlete Wim Hof. If you want to swim in the ocean, you’re probably asking yourself: What kit do I need for sea swimming? The good news is there’s a lot you can do to help prevent drownings even when there’s no lifeguard on duty. Here are some tips. 1. Before Heading to the Beach or a Public Pool, Do Your Research

It is important for swimmers to know the dangers when swimming outdoors and preferably swim at a lifeguarded beach, organised session or supervised venue. Open water swimming is intensely rewarding but comes with obvious risks," said qualified swimming coach Sarah Wiseman, who runs an open water swim school. Increase the number of lengths you do each time you swim. For example, over a period of four weeks, gradually increase to 20 or 30 lengths a session. Try not to be overly worried about what you look like. Swimmers come in all shapes and sizes and once you are in the water, no one can see you anyway! Try to put this out of your mind. Besides, it's a temporary issue anyway. In a matter of weeks, you'll be stronger and your confidence will have grown. Everyone feels a bit self-conscious when they emerge from the changing rooms and before they hit the water for the first time, but don't let it stand in your way," adds Dr Lee. The importance of warming up