TIPS FOR SWIMMING IN OPEN WATERS

 Summer season and this year more than ever, the desire to practice outdoor sports is endless. Swimming in open water, especially in the sea, can become one of the most rewarding activities right now.

Whether you are a triathlete or not, if you like outdoor sports, I invite you to join Lifeguard Class and take advantage of this fall to practice swimming in open water. The important thing is to do it safely, so you don't miss the tips for swimming in open water.

Apart from triathlon competitions, which this year have been practically canceled, I believe that swimming can become one of our allies this fall to keep us fit and enjoy the environment. Take note of these tips for swimming in open water, and my essential materials, which you will find at the end of the article.

The freedom to swim in the open sea is a wonderful feeling.

When we hear the term "open water," our head is likely to conjure up images of the open sea. However, we also make references to other places where we have large bodies of water such as reservoirs or lakes.

MOST COMMON DIFFICULTIES WHEN FACING SWIMMING IN OPEN WATERS

In the case of triathletes, accustomed to training most of the time in the pool, the swimming segment can cause certain fears and tensions because they are unaware of the behavior of an unnatural environment, in addition to being a changing environment. In the pool there are no currents, there is the visibility of the bottom, among other things.  

Those same fears, we usually have the first times we go swimming in a lake, reservoir or sea. The fear of the unknown.

BEFORE WE GET INTO THE WATER

The first thing we must do is analyze the weather conditions and the state of the water: if there are tides, if it is rough, the existence of currents, water temperature, and outside temperature ...

In the areas where surfing is practiced, it is easy to find the Tide Tables and knows when there is high tide and low tide, and thus take into account when you are going to get into the water, avoiding the movements and currents that exist in these cases.  

If we do not know how to interpret the sea, or the existence of currents (which is sometimes seen by the color of the water), it is best to ask the lifeguards in the bathing areas.

The better we study the conditions and the place, the fewer risks we will run.  

Once we have these clear points, we would go on to establish reference points for when we are in the water.

On many occasions, we are not aware of the strength of the currents and when we want to realize it, we are very far from the established area, from the coast and it can be difficult to place ourselves in the water.

Therefore, locate large and clear structures that are visible in the water and set them as your reference points and location. This will help you keep your swimming zone under control. Likewise, it locates structures in the water. The safest are the buoys that delimit the areas and can serve as a guide on your swimming path. Also, study the outlet and inlet of the water. Take references to know where to exit and not find surprises in areas where, due to the rough state of the bottom or dangerous situations (cuts, sea urchins, slippery stones, areas of vegetation in reservoirs and rivers, etc.) put your integrity at risk physical.

In addition, depending on the temperature of the water and the time that we are going to stay in it, it is advisable to use neoprene to avoid hypothermic situations.

SAFETY MATERIALS

Let's not forget that, if we are seen, they will be able to assist us if necessary, and in turn, for large boats, surfers, etc ... we will also be seen.

Seeing and being seen is one of the most important considerations when it comes to swimming in open water; whether in a reservoir, lake, in a cove, or in the open sea.

In general, we are barely seen in the water, therefore, it is necessary that the additional material that we carry is of striking color, or has something that does not allow us to be seen.

Triathlon wetsuits are mostly very dark in color and complementing it with other accessories is more than recommended. The objective, in this case, is that they help us improve buoyancy in the water, maintain a correct body temperature, and facilitate swimming.

Open water swimming wetsuits have details in fluorine colors that make it easier for us to be seen.

On the other hand, it is always advisable to use a swimming cap (to swim more comfortably and also protect your ears), which we must always ensure that it is of visible color.  

Lastly, the glasses. Unless the weather conditions are cloudy (and we need glasses with clear glass), for walking in open water, it is advisable to always wear glasses with a mirror effect.  

And the accessory par excellence that every open water swimmer has the safety buoy.

As its name indicates, it is a buoy that will provide us with security if necessary, and also, its colors will make us visible from great distances.

This accessory has a watertight space that does not allow the entry of water, to be able to put our most important items (for example, identity cards, car keys, or some energy gel). It inflates easily and once you finish your session it deflates and hardly takes up space to store it with the rest of your things.

To place the buoy correctly, we must adjust its belt to our waist. The length of the rope is wide, but the best thing is that once you are in the water, the buoy is at the height of the hips-buttocks so that it is not annoying when the feet are beaten.

In most of the crossings, this complete has been made mandatory for the participants.