Guidelines
Open water swimming is swimming in any open water body such as lakes, ponds, river or sea.
It is mandatory that only swimmers who can swim comfortably in a pool and have learnt/know swimming venture into open water.
Scope out the open water body before swimming by checking with locals regarding the following:
Any safety issues related to the activity such as currents, swirls etc in the body.
Presence of any aquatic life which may threaten safety of swimmers such as crocodiles, sharks, jelly fish etc. Any permissions required from any statutory authority to use the lake for the activity.
Any organic content in the water that may be harmful such as blue algae etc.
Whether the water is clean enough for swimming eg no effluents in the water
Never swim alone!
If swimming alone a spotter or observer on the shore is recommended.
We strongly recommended that you use a swim floatation device if you swim alone.
Plan your swim by way of time, distance and route and especially note sighting points for reference and navigation.
It is recommended that swimmers wear a bright swim cap for visibility (only pink, red, yellow, orange) Swimmers can easily go unnoticed in open water. Boaters, paddlers, and other swimmers may not be able to see someone swimming from their point of view.
It is recommended that before entering water swimmers group into a pairs (or more) of similar ability, and when swimming always look-out for each other.
After swimming check that your swim buddies are also out of the water
Inexperienced and first time swimmers are strongly recommended to swim with an experienced open water swimmer and are also advised to get guidance and trained for swimming in open waters
Always look out for any object in the water, foreign or natural, which might cause harm, e.g., glass, metal or stone. Consider hazards & marine life. Remember: you’re swimming in the wild when you’re in open water! These natural bodies of water aren’t controlled like your local pool. There are hazard risks that come with the territory, including logs, seaweed, debris depending on your location.
Before swimming discuss exactly where the group will swim, the route, and any regrouping point, water conditions, any potential conflict with other water users and any deviation from these numbered procedures
Take a break if you start feeling exhausted or uncomfortable. Either tread water, or calmly make your way back to shore.
If you get into difficulties try to attract the attention of your swim buddies, turn on your back and try to make your way to the bank or shallow water. The signal to attract attention is to turn onto your back and raise one arm in the air
Know how far you’ve swam. It can be easy to underestimate the distance you wish to swim in open water. Setting a goal of swimming to a specific landmark (for example, an island or a log) may seem within reach. Note that once you start swimming, the estimated distance may be much further than you initially anticipated. You may also get lost in the flow of swimming and not realize you’ve gone much further than planned. If you don’t have enough energy to get back safely, this puts you at risk for a safe return to shore.
Consider investing in a waterproof watch or a pair of open water swimming goggles that display your distance swam on the lenses to solve this problem. That way, you can closely monitor your progress and ensure you don’t go farther than you feel comfortable.
In cold waters swim in appropriate wet suits which not only insulate you but provide you with floatation.
SWIM ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREAS: To avoid dangerous situations or accidents, always swim in designated areas, that, if possible, have a lifeguard on duty. Designated swimming areas are usually marked by regulatory signs. Make sure to follow all your municipal recommendations before getting into the water.
Just because you know there’s a lifeguard or experienced swimmers present, it doesn’t mean you get to forget about safety. A lifeguard can’t see everything that is going on at the same time. Be mindful of this, and always keep an eye on your group, and take care of yourself
Always have an exit point while lake and river swimming. It’s easy to jump into the water for a swim, but muddy banks or sides can make it difficult to get out. Always make sure there’s a safe and accessible exit point for you to get out of the water.
Swimmers also risk injury while swimming in open water from floating objects or debris, other swimmers, marine animals, or watercraft like boats or kayaks. Water temperature and depth are also much different from a swimming pool. Open water is colder, which can cause hypothermia, cold water shock, or after drop if swimmers are not careful or wearing a wetsuit. Many open bodies of water also pose a risk of infection. Open water is full of bacteria, so understanding when the best time to go to avoid infection and stay safe is critical.
Every open water swimming course is different and every open water swimming course can be different from day-to-day and from hour-to-hour. Safety plans, procedures and protocols may be difficult and challenging, but they should also be based on common sense and local knowledge of the waterways and the accumulated wisdom of local safety experts including lifeguards, fishermen, government authorities, boaters, and the Race Director and Safety Officer.
Never swim at night or while intoxicated. It is extremely dangerous! At night, visibility is limited, if not completely lost. This minimizes your ability to see hazards and threats around you. As for drinking and swimming, most times drownings are directly related to alcohol each year.
Be aware of the water quality
Checking the quality of the water you plan to swim in will help you avoid things like swimmer’s itch, infections, parasites, bacteria, and more. Municipalities or beach owner-operators regularly test many bodies of water and post results on designated local websites.
If you’re swimming in water that doesn’t have the highest quality, consider using earplugs, nose plugs, goggles, and more to protect yourself from harm. Always avoid swallowing water, swimming with open cuts, swimming if you’re experiencing digestive issues, or jumping in the water 48 hours after significant rainfall. Shower directly after your swim and wash your hands before handling food.
Leave a trip plan if you decide to still swim alone:
If you plan to swim without a swim buddy, let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Send them a message before you get into the water, then another one after you get out to let them know you’re safe.
Be prepared in case of emergency
Emergencies are unexpected events (like fatigue, cramps, heat exhaustion, cardiac incidents, etc.) that require immediate action. These can all be life-threatening in open water.
It’s difficult to foresee an emergency, but being prepared for one takes minimal effort and could save lives! Investing in swim gear such as a whistle and an emergency flotation device is a wise decision. In an emergency, above all else, try to stay calm while assessing your next move.
Understand the dangers of rip currents and riptides
Rip currents and rip tides are significant threats to open water swimmers. It’s crucial to understand currents and what to do if you’re caught in one to escape and stay safe.
Rip currents are narrow currents of water flowing away from shore. They’re usually between 10 and 20 feet in width and occur primarily in surf zones.
Riptides are powerful currents that result from the tide pulling water out from an inlet. When the tide goes out and mixes with the ocean waves, it makes for a small area of hazardous, choppy water.
To avoid rip currents and riptides, look for them before jumping in and swim close to the shoreline. If you get caught in either a riptide or a rip current, you can escape by swimming perpendicular to the direction of the tide/current. Just remember to remain calm, don’t panic, indicate to a lifeguard if you’re in trouble, and swim parallel to the shore. Knowing how to breathe in choppy open water can help swimmers when they’re swimming out of a riptide.
If you are swimming in a canal or river, be especially mindful of schedules of dams opening etc. You will not be able to control sudden overflows from dams or planned and scheduled releases.
You must understand that other than the above, there may be additional instructions or procedures issued at any point in time during the program and that it would be your sole responsibility to fully understand the issued instructions, its implications and to adhere in entirety to these instructions