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Safety in Open Water Swimming

Writer's picture: Ana DomingosAna Domingos

Open water swimming is one of the few activities that provides a true sense of freedom and a deep connection with nature. Whether in the sea, a lake, or a river, it is a complete practice that benefits both the body and the mind.


Nevertheless, it is a sport that requires caution. To help you make the most of your contact with the environment, we have created this article where we address the main risks associated with open water swimming and the essential behaviors for practicing it safely.


Swimmers analyzing the sea before swimming.

  1. Weather Forecasts


Whether you are a beginner or advanced swimmer, before starting your open water swimming activity, it is essential to check the weather forecasts, especially the maritime, to ensure safe conditions. These should be rechecked the day before the activity, as we know, nature can be quite unpredictable.


There are some websites that can help:  Tabua Marés, Windy or IPMA. Here, you can analyze tides, currents, swell, sea strength, wind direction, and water and air temperature.


Avoid swimming during storms and very strong winds, as these conditions can worsen currents and increase swell, compromising your safety.



  1. Knowing the Currents


Currents can be unexpected and often invisible to the naked eye. Getting caught in a current can be a frightening and dangerous experience, making its identification crucial for ensuring safety during the activity. Even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard by strong currents, which can quickly pull them away from the shore or make it difficult to reach the intended point of their route.


Therefore, it is essential to understand the currents before starting any open water swimming activity. Speak with people who have good knowledge of the local conditions, such as lifeguards, members of sailing clubs, or other water sports practitioners, and fishermen. They can provide valuable information about the direction and strength of the currents for the day you have your planned activity.

 

 

  1. Activity Planning


Avoid swimming alone. Open water swimming becomes much more fun and safer when shared with a friend. In addition to enjoying the moment together, you'll be there for each other if something unexpected happens.


After confirming the maritime conditions, it's time to plan your swimming route, adjusting it to each individual's swimming capacity. Also, have a more conservative alternative plan in case the weather conditions are unfavorable. This way, you can continue enjoying the day without worries.


If you decide to swim alone, inform someone you trust about your route, the time you plan to spend, and don't forget to notify them when you're finished. This way, if something goes wrong, they will know when and where to seek help.


For more safety, you can use devices such as spot trackers, which can be placed inside the buoy, or even Garmin devices, which offer live track functionality. This option allows you to share your activity in real-time, notifying up to 50 contacts who will be alerted whenever you start an activity.



Also identify the exit points in case an unexpected situation arises along the planned route.

 


  1. Proper Equipment


Choosing the right equipment is essential to prevent hypothermia or hyperthermia. Both are life-threatening situations, whether due to cold or heat. In colder waters, around 10°C to 15°C, heat loss is 20 to 25 times faster than in the air! Therefore, knowing the water temperature in advance is an important factor in choosing the best equipment.


If swimming in cold water, we recommend wearing a wetsuit with a thickness of 4.3mm or more, a neoprene cap – as the head is the part of the body where the most heat is lost – and, if necessary, neoprene gloves and socks. Enter slowly, allowing the body to adjust to the temperature. Be aware of thermal shock.


Having hot tea and dry clothes to change into after finishing your activity helps with thermal recovery.


If swimming in water temperatures above 24°C, opt for swimming without a wetsuit, especially if the air temperature is also high, to prevent the risk of hyperthermia. If you want some buoyancy, you can wear a sleeveless wetsuit or neoprene shorts.


Apply water-resistant sunscreen to exposed body areas, even on cold or cloudy days, as there is still a risk of sunburn.



  1. Proper Signaling


As a sport practiced in the sea, river, or lake, the likelihood of encountering a boat is high, so proper signaling is of utmost importance. Opt for brightly colored swim caps that stand out in the environment where you will be swimming, such as yellow, light green, orange, white, or light blue.

Emergency signal

Using a buoy in fluorescent orange or yellow not only allows you to be identified from a considerable distance but also serves as support equipment in case of fatigue or cramps.


If the swimming activity takes place during a time of low visibility, use a red light on the buoy, such as the type used on bicycles, as it will increase your visibility!


 

  1. Being Prepared for Emergencies


We never know when an unexpected situation may arise, and being ready to face the main dangers can make all the difference!


Learn about the local marine life. Swimming alongside wildlife is a privilege and an unforgettable experience. However, unexpected encounters, such as with jellyfish, can happen. Keep a small first aid kit with you, which you can store in the buoy, or leave in the car if you prefer.


If your swimming route is in cold or warm waters, include a thermal blanket in your first aid kit – it’s an essential item for both hypothermia and hyperthermia.


Also, add an energy gel and a water bottle to your kit. You may feel colder than usual or use more energy due to an unexpected current. Having a quick source of energy and staying hydrated can make all the difference between completing the route comfortably or experiencing cramps and even being forced to cut the activity short.


Additionally, carry a whistle, a small but valuable tool that can be attached to your buoy. If there’s storage inside the buoy, take your mobile phone with you. In emergency situations, it is crucial for requesting help and making your location easier to find.

 


  1. Self-Knowledge and Recognizing Warning Symptoms


Knowing your own body and being able to identify warning signs is important in any sport.


Here are the signs and symptoms to watch for and how to respond:

  • Exhaustion: Extreme weakness, difficulty continuing the activity, dizziness, or disorientation.

    • Stop the activity, hold on to the buoy, and refuel with an energy gel. Hydrate, and if symptoms persist, ask your partner for help to return to shore. If swimming alone and unable to return, stay attached to the buoy, remain calm, and signal for help using the whistle and/or the universal emergency signal by raising your arm above your head.

  • Dehydration: Dry mouth, intense thirst, dizziness, and fatigue.

    • Hydrate with small sips of water over several minutes. If severely dehydrated, consume an isotonic drink to refuel electrolytes. After finishing the activity, maintain higher hydration than usual throughout the day.

  • Fear/Anxiety: Panic sensation, rapid or irregular breathing, rapid heartbeat, or the urge to exit the water abruptly.

    • Stop, float while holding the buoy, and focus on your breathing by inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth. Seek help if necessary, and avoid continuing to swim until you feel calm and confident again.

  • Hypothermia: Uncontrollable shivering, difficulty coordinating movements, cold and pale skin. Mental confusion may occur.

    • Exit the water immediately, dry off, and put on warm clothing. Use a thermal blanket, drink hot beverages (tea is a great option). In more severe cases, seek medical assistance.

  • Hyperthermia: Excessive heat sensation, dizziness, red and warm skin, headaches, and/or confusion.

    • Stop the activity and find a shaded area. Hydrate with cool water. If wearing a wetsuit, remove it immediately. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical help.


Avoid swimming after consuming alcohol. Alcohol promotes dehydration and mental confusion, which can exacerbate the situations described above.

 


  1. After the Swimming Session


This is a time to relax, recover, and enjoy the scenery in front of you! Take this moment to replenish your energy and hydrate.


Above all, allow yourself to enjoy the tranquility of the moment. Let the surrounding nature inspire and revitalize you, turning this experience into something memorable. Have fun and feel grateful for every stroke that brought you here.


A group of happy swimmers, in tune with nature.

It's in the simplicity of these experiences, that we find true well-being!

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