The Freedom Of The Open Water
Given I live just a stone’s throw from the beach (literally…. i can see the beach from my front door..) I should probably have made this leap a bit sooner, but hey, you always take the things on your doorstep for granted. I lived 10 minutes from Polesden Lacy in Surrey growing up but it took me moving 50 miles away before I finally got around to visiting.
The inner geek in me took over and of course i had to do some proper research, which I think I should pass on to you lucky people…….
Dangers In The Water
Wherever you are swimming, safety comes first. Look at where you are thinking of swimming and check out the dangers. It’s been a good few years since I moved to the beach but I’ve only really noticed what is out in the bay in the last few months since I started open water swimming. Checking for any obstacles before you swim – groynes in the water if you are at the sea, outlets or sunken objects in lakes.
Relax Into The Cold
Don’t forget to let your body get used to the temperature of the water. Spend a good 10 minutes just letting your body acclimate to the temperature. And while you are swimming, make sure you keep an eye out of the first signs of trouble. Shivering and teeth-chattering are the first stages of mild hypothermia, so get out of the water and warm up with a combination of warm, dry clothes and gentle activity.
Currents
Swimming with or against a current can be fun, just like swimming in seaside surf, but losing control and being carried downstream can be dangerous. In fast-flowing water always think about where you will be able to get out if you lose your footing. Identify your emergency exits before getting in and scout around for any downstream hazards (obstructions, waterfalls or weirs).
Blue-Green Algae
In lowland lakes polluted with fertilizers, algae can multiply after warm, wet weather, usually in late summer. This results in a powdery, green surface scum (the blooms) on the downwind side of a lake. Its presence is obvious and bathing in it can bring on a skin rash, irritate your eyes, and make you sick if you swallow the water. Find a part of the lake without blooms, or if there isn’t one, don’t swim.
Have Fun!
It can seem slightly daunting the first time you go open water swimming with all these warnings you see everywhere or read online. If you are worried, you can find groups on facebook like the Swim Buddy Network where you can meet like minded people. Or have a look on the web for organised swimming events which will do open water induction courses, teaching you the basics and reassuring you about everything.