Swim Secure's Open Water Swimming Safety Guide

A quick but comprehensive Open Water Swimming Safety Guide.
For a more detailed guide please click on the link to read our Open Water Safety Guide endorsed by the Royal Life Saving Society UK Limited.
swimsecure.co....

[@leatang3204]

• Know the water you swim in - talk to local swimmers. • start open water swimming slowly - get to know your body and your abilities • never swim alone • be visible - bright colored swim cap, a tow float and a light if it gets dark • be mindful of the afterdrop. Warm up after your swim drinking something hot and by putting your feet in a bucket of warm water

[@swimsecure]

Lots of great tips. Thanks.

[@suzannejewison8012]

Always let someone know your plans or better still take someone with you, know your limitations, most importantly for me is enjoy your surroundings use all your senses xx

[@swimsecure]

Great tips - thanks.

[@lanajayne86]

Top tip: be aware of your surroundings & the tides if appropriate. You can always swim another day 🥰

[@swimsecure]

Absolutely. Thanks.

[@TomBryanYeah]

Always plan your swims, making sure to note where you can easily get in and out, and if there are any additional places en route you can use to get out in case of emergency

[@swimsecure]

Thanks for this tip.

[@amertuhul5696]

as i practicing the open water , using swim secure tools , products , am feeling safe , happy in my daily swimming

[@swimsecure]

good to hear this - Thanks.

[@cqe5002]

I always swim in the sea, my safety tip is to reach the line of buoys (usually 200 meters from the shoreline ) and then you can swim along for kilometers in paralel with the beachline. Having a dry bag, I could bring all my stuff (towels, phone, shoes, t-shirt,etc,) with me so I could swim in one direction and then run back home with no problem! 😀

[@swimsecure]

Never thought of this tip - thanks.

[@mattydavenport8284]

One top tip for every outdoor swim, everywhere, is to check the weather. In Britain the weather can and does often change suddenly, so it's good to go equipped and prepared for any changes. The wind speed and direction will tell you what direction waves will be coming from on a lake or the sea and how big they'll be. Also you can factor in wind-chill effect for shorewatch. On the coast knowing the wind direction and tide direction is vital, when both are flowing away from shore everything in the water is going to go with that flow. If heavy rain is forecast it can cause sudden changes in river conditions, currents and temperatures, after rainfall debris and discharges can enter rivers causing hazards. Knowing the forecast air temperature will also inform whether you need a hot or cold drink to aid recovery after your swim. The weather can be the factor that determines if water is swimmable so my top tip is about the weather - know before you go.

[@swimsecure]

Great tip. So true - we've heard a story when someone has gone for a swim in a tarn they have swam one way and it was fine and then the way back the wind changed it was incredibly tiring and they were glad they had their dry bag to rest on. Thanks for entering.

[@Snozzer66]

I swim parallel to the shore and within my depth at my local beach. I always feel safe doing this.

[@swimsecure]

Great tip - thanks for entering.

[@kevp68]

Read the weather and water conditions and swim accordingly and to your capabilities

[@swimsecure]

Absolutely - good tip - thanks.

[@rachaelstorey5729]

My swimming top tip would be to always take a tow float that can provide you with some safety in a struggle but also keeps you visible

[@swimsecure]

Thanks Rachael - good tip.

[@Crezzer6]

I’d say if you go somewhere new, especially if in a river, go with a friend who’s been there before and is aware of local hazards.

[@swimsecure]

Good advice. Thanks.

[@suzyrobertson6228]

My tip: If something doesn’t feel right, with you or with your environment don’t get in, never be afraid to walk away, the water will always be there!

[@swimsecure]

Absolutely. Thanks.

[@traceybright9762]

Being a profoundly deaf open water swimmer/paddleboarder I always like to make sure I can be seen on the water with bright colours to match my name!! Kinda scary at times with jet skis around!!

[@swimsecure]

It can be scary so great tip - thanks.

[@jonesy9603]

Swim with a friend or if you are climatized to the water temperature and the conditions are safe make sure you wear a tow float and tell some one else where you are swimming before you go in.

[@swimsecure]

Great tips. Thanks for entering.

[@iansinclair3244]

Always swim with someone else. Make sure you have the means to call for help should if be nessesery (check availability of mobile signal especially in remote areas)

[@swimsecure]

Absolutely - thanks for entering.

[@sallyboot4584]

Research any new swims well before entering the water, keep visible, listen to your body and finally enjoy it!

[@swimsecure]

All green tips and yes enjoy the experience. thanks for entering.

[@kellyrendall5712]

baby shampoo rubbed on your goggles and rinsed is a great way to prevent them fogging up. It’s also a good idea to rinse your swim hat and goggles in freshwater after your swim to stop them perishing

[@swimsecure]

Great tips. Thanks.

[@Towfloatgal]

Top Tip - Always swim with a buddy or land spotter and with a bright hat & tow float - you can be hard to see even in a small lake sometimes (hence my name!!😁👍)

[@swimsecure]

Great name and great tip! Thanks.

[@ruddfitnesscoaching1260]

Always swim with a tow float and bright swim cap to be seen!

[@swimsecure]

#BeSaferBeSeen - great tip - thanks.

[@neilstanley5824]

Swim with others, or if swimming alone have a spotter on land and wear a bouancy/ dry bag for increased visibility and security in the water

[@swimsecure]

great tips - thanks for entering.

[@juliemccready9755]

Love sea swimming n could do with new dry bag tow float so this would be perfect!😍🏊‍♀️👍🏻🤞🏻🙏🏻xx

[@swimsecure]

Any tip you would give?

[@helenaromanowska5868]

Learn what the hazard signs are for your body. Your friend might be able to stay in much longer but you have to know your limitations and how to warm up quickly afterwards. Easily pulled on layers and gloves and hats and socks are excellent.

[@swimsecure]

The after drop can be quite severe so great advice.

[@KaymedCoUk]

Don’t swim alone and make sure you can be seen easily. Using a good quality tow float is essential.

[@swimsecure]

Good advice. Thanks.

[@gunaykaynak2637]

Being visible, you have to provide this some how. Swim with buddy and know what kind of water you are swimming in

[@swimsecure]

Good tips - thanks.

[@martinhuddleston446]

Tip: in cold water use a latex or plastic glove liner to better insulate your hands

[@swimsecure]

A great top tip - thanks Martin

[@poemsandplaypieces]

Top Tip: Definitely use a Tow Float. Not just saying that, I promise. Even a bright swim hat isn't visible to boats and jet skis etc. You need something bigger.

[@swimsecure]

We agree.

[@suerennie8205]

I always use a tow float and take my time getting in to give my body time to acclimatise.

[@swimsecure]

Good advice. Thanks.

[@clareedwards2707]

* Let your body acclimatise to cold water slowly. * Take a snack for afterwards. * Swim with others - if not part of a group, go where there are others swimming and join them!

[@swimsecure]

Great tips - thanks for entering.

[@nicolabennett8008]

Recently started open water swimming in an organised group, but don't yet have a swim bouy.

[@swimsecure]

good to swim in an organised group - Thanks for entering - good luck.

[@yogawithmywildishnature4567]

* Eat and hydrate well before your swim so your body has enough fuel. * Warming up slowly is as important as getting into cold water gradually. Jumping into a hot Bath straight after a cold swim could send your body into a reverse shock. * Do NOT compare your ability to stay in water and/or swim the distance with anyone else. EveryBody is different!

[@swimsecure]

Great tips - thanks for entering.

[@stephentoombs8663]

Get to know the area you are swimming in, and where near by safety features are, such as AEDs and bouys

[@swimsecure]

Great tip - thanks.

[@jeremyshaw7784]

Assess the water beforehand. Ask local swimmers. If in doubt don’t swim, the river/lake/ sea will always be there tomorrow.

[@swimsecure]

so true - great tip - thanks for entering.

[@nealgascoine603]

Swimming with a buddy is a top safety tip, but it’s great socially too

[@swimsecure]

Yes it is. Good tip. Thanks.

[@swimsecure]

Hi - Congrats. You are the winner of our Dry Bag Competition. Could you email me on [e-mail] so that we can correspond more about the details please. I await to hear from you. Thanks.

[@mattydavenport8284]

Well done Neal and thank you Swim Secure for the great giveaway

[@swimsecure]

@@mattydavenport8284 Thanks for this message. Are you on instagram? Do we follow you?

[@iangriffiths7850]

Top tip: carry a pin in your costume. In case of a bad cramp use the pin to prick and relax the affected muscle.

[@swimsecure]

Not heard of this before - Has anyone else?

[@mattydavenport8284]

That's not one I would do. There are other ways to deal with cramp without piercing the skin

[@despark2075]

Take a tow float, even the pro’s get cramp!

[@swimsecure]

That happened quite a bit to swimmers at Swim Serpentine on Saturday - good tip.

[@macmellie]

I always swim with a tow float mainly so I can be seen, but I have an ICEtag attached with my emergency contact details and my phone inside ..

[@swimsecure]

Thats a good idea - our floats now come with an area for ICE information.

[@lindajaques4826]

Top Tip: Never swim alone. Swim with a friend, or take a friend to be an on land spotter.

[@swimsecure]

Good advice. Thanks.

[@orangestoneface]

float with a sail to get to land would that work ...double barrel float u shaped or how ...and for sport...or flat shaped , sail pole up by neck if lying on it or two poles two sails or hm or one up in front of head , or sail on strings but thats kinda hard and cant go against wind. or floats for sail on string in front of swimmer that hold s it or tied to belt. j

[@LB-gs8xw]

Swim with other people, let someone at home if possible know where you are going, swim float

[@swimsecure]

Great tips - thanks for entering.

[@mervynday6428]

Plan Your Swim.

[@swimsecure]

Good tip - thanks.

[@rachelhynes7905]

Learn to listen to your body and never stay in too long.

[@swimsecure]

Great tip - thanks.

[@maimoulton6077]

🤞🤞

[@clairebrady1352]

Listen to your own body, just because you did 30 mins yesterday doesn't mean it is right for you the next day. If you don't feel right get out.

[@swimsecure]

Great tip - thanks.

[@andrewchadwick8405]

Never swim somewhere new without a float and a friend.

[@swimsecure]

great tip - thanks for entering.

[@doctorscotland]

Don't kiss the fish.

[@swimsecure]

Hadn't thought of that. Thanks for entering.

[@maimoulton6077]

Join a local group and swim together

[@swimsecure]

great tip - always good fun too.

[@Bogglethetroll]

Wear earplugs

[@swimsecure]

good tip = thanks for entering.

[@alexfrancis2945]

Put your wrists in first 😊

[@swimsecure]

That is an interesting tip - why is that?

[@barrygriffin6302]

Don't swim alone

[@swimsecure]

good advice. Thanks for entering.

[@bridy139]

If swimming alone always let someone know where you are and how long you will be.

[@swimsecure]

Thanks for the tip.