Your number one concern is safety.  Always swim with a buddy or with a group.  Know how many people are in your group, and make sure everyone is wearing a brightly colored cap.

If you’re training in the ocean, swim near a lifeguard if possible, and pay attention to any surf warnings and weather alerts they may have posted.  It’s always a good idea to ask them about any currents or rip tides that might be present.

Look at the bottom to check for shells, mussels, glass, or other objects that would cause pain or injury if you step on them.  

And check the slope of the bottom.  Are there sudden drop-offs... or is it a gradual slope?

Next, take a look at where you plan to swim.  Decide on the course you will take.  If you’re heading for a buoy, should you keep it on your left or your right?  Will you need to compensate for a strong wind or current of tide?  

If you’re part of a team, think about investing in a single buoy that you can bring to your training sessions.  Tie it to a big rock or brick and take it out in the water so that people can get comfortable with sighting and turning around the buoy.

Stay close to shore, especially if you’re new to open water.  Just swim back and forth along the shore instead of swimming way out.  

Finally, take a look at the shore where you begin your swim and where you will end.  Are there landmarks -- such as a tower, large building, or unusual tree -- that you can see clearly from the water that will help you navigate through your swim?  

To increase your comfort level, it’s nice to have someone -- a friend, coach, or parent -- who can kayak with you when you swim.  It’s great exercise for them, and let’s you know there’s help nearby if anything goes wrong.


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Safety First