How to Open Water Swim Safely

Swimming in wide-open bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or even the ocean, is a popular hobby. It’s important to follow safety precautions when swimming in open water to avoid accidents and injuries. Observe these guidelines to swim safely in open water:

Develop confidence and conquer your fear: It’s important to do both before entering the water. This may be done by acting out your open water fears while rehearsing in a secure location and by asking a lifeguard or coast guard for advice on the open water you’ll be practising in.

maintain your stroke tight: To prevent damage while swimming in open water, it’s crucial to maintain your stroke tight. This entails avoiding overextending your arms and keeping your elbows tight to your torso.

Find your “groove”: In open water swimming, finding your “groove” refers to establishing a rhythm that works for you. This can improve your swimming technique and lower your chance of injury.

Overtraining in the pool is a good way to be ready for open water swimming. This entails swimming farther than you typically would in open water.

Know how to turn: To prevent damage when swimming in open water, it is crucial to know how to turn properly. In order to do this, practise turning in a pool before attempting it in open water.

Get used to the water: Getting accustomed to the water might help you avoid cold shock and other hazards that come with swimming in open water. This entails progressively acclimating to the water’s temperature before entering.

Start out slow and progressively increase your open-water swimming distance by taking tiny steps. You may do this to increase your endurance and lower your chance of injury.

Avoid leaving the water: Leaving the water might be risky and raise the possibility of getting hurt. Take your time exiting the water instead, using a ladder or another secure exit.

What are some common injuries in open water swimming?

Open-water swimming may be enjoyable and rewarding, but it’s crucial to follow safety procedures to prevent mishaps and harm. Swimmers frequently suffer from the following injuries:

Swimmer’s shoulder is an impingement condition caused by the scapula compressing the supraspinatus and/or biceps tendons. According to research, 55% of all injuries in competitive swimming involve the shoulders.

Swimmer’s knee is a kind of tendinitis brought on by pressure on the knees. Injuries sustained during swimming account for 28% of all injuries.

Injuries to the neck and shoulders are among the most frequent ones suffered by swimmers. They include rotator cuff tendonitis or tears, shoulder impingement syndrome, cartilage tears surrounding the shoulder socket, neck and low back discomfort, and bicep tendonitis. They also involve irritation and inflammation in the shoulders.

Lower back pain: Excessive bending or twisting might cause this.

Ear infections, sometimes known as swimmer’s ear, are a potential side effect of water contact.

When swimming in open water, always keep safety as your main concern. If you’ve never swum in open water, you might want to take lessons from a certified teacher or sign up for a group swim. Enjoy your swimming!