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The summer season is ideal for water sports, such as swimming in the pool or open water, especially at the sea or lake.
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To swim in open water, check the area and weather conditions, swim close to the shore and parallel to the coast.
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Gradually acclimatize to the cold water temperature and use visible equipment, such as a colorful cap and floating buoy, and preferably do it with company.
Thesummer season is perfect for trying your hand at water sports. It might be a good time to get acquainted with swimming, perhaps in an outdoor pool or, even better, in open water, all the more so if you are vacationing by the sea or near a lake.
Before you dive in and start swimming, make sure you know everything you need to know in order to have an enjoyable and, above all, safe experience.
How to approach open water swimming
Since this is a large and more hazard-prone environment than a swimming pool, it is important to know the area in which you will be swimming or, if necessary, to ask for information. Another thing to do is to check the weather forecast and sea conditions before entering the water. In case of uncertain weather postpone until the forecast is better. In these situations, the level of training or experience does not matter because one is mainly at the mercy of external agents beyond our control.
Stay close to shore, paying attention to currents that may pull you away without you realizing it. Swim parallel to the shoreline so you can be quicker when you have to get out, since you will tire much faster than in the pool. Prefer freestyle so you can more easily control the direction in which you are swimming, raising your head forward from time to time. Take a landmark, such as a buoy can be, to help keep you from swerving and to check that you are still going in the right direction.
How to acclimatize to water temperature
Forget about the temperature of the pool water. Swimming in open water you may find that you have to face and overcome thermal shock due to the temperature of really very cold water. Without making any sudden movements walk slowly through the water, avoiding diving because doing so will increase the risk of heat shock. Wet your feet, then your knees, hands, arms, all very slowly to acclimatize. Always try to control your breathing and never hold your breath.
The equipment
It may sound exaggerated to even talk about equipment, but for open water swimming you will need more than a swimsuit and a pair of goggles.
Being highly visible will be critical. Use a brightly colored cap and get a floating buoy. There are specific ones in different shapes and sizes, some equipped with whistles to attract attention in case help is needed and/or a waterproof pocket to store small items, including a phone in case of emergency. As for the headset, it had better be a bright and conspicuous color.
This type of buoy is a tool to be used to protect your safety and not as a substitute for a life jacket or buoyancy aid to be relied on in an emergency.
At some times of the year and in some areas in particular you may also need a wetsuit, which will have the dual function of helping you float as well as maintaining your body temperature in particularly cold water.
Together is better
It is best to avoid swimming alone . Look for someone willing to take a few strokes with you. There are several factors and variables that can affect your judgment and reaction skills when you are in open water. The situation and circumstances can change very quickly. Being at least two will allow you to take care of your partner and vice versa.
Another important precaution to take is to always let someone know where you are going and how long you plan to be gone. Both of these are also useful attitudes to adopt when going out and hiking in the mountains, another environment where caution is never too much.
(Via Rnli)