Safety Tips For Open Water Swimming

The beach is always a popular destination for vacation and for having fun!  Many of us love to pack up our families and head to the beach for a summer vacation. There is just something about the water that helps calm and relax us while also providing hours of fun and entertainment. Or perhaps you live near a lake and are a frequent beachgoer.  Whatever your reason for ending up at the beach, it is important to be safe while swimming in the lake. Swimming in a lake is much different than swimming in a pool or any other body of water. There are tides, waves, currents, marine life, and other aspects to consider before you dive in. Take some time and read these safety tips for open water swimming before heading to the beach. Or even better, be sure to enroll your children or toddlers in swimming lessons before your trips to the beach.  Private swimming lessons are a great way to teach basic swimming skills to children and can reduce the risk of drowning.

Proper Supervision

First and foremost, only swim where there is a lifeguard present. While this should be a rule for you and your family for swimming in all bodies of water, it is especially important for swimming in open water. Lifeguards at the beach are not only trained in lifeguarding skills, but also in skills specifically related to water rescues. Additionally, only swim in designated swimming areas and never swim too far from shore. Currents are strong in the lake and waves can easily sweep small children away from safety in a hurry.  Always read the rules for swimming that should be posted near the lifeguard stand and make your children aware of them.

Weather/water conditions

Keeping track of weather and water conditions is also an important safety tip when it comes to open water swimming. Be aware of any incoming storms, strong winds, or lightning in the area. Strong weather conditions can create even stronger rip currents, which is one of the leading causes of drowning deaths in open water. Rip currents can form quickly and are very difficult to swim out of, especially for small children. Also be aware of the colored flags posted on the lifeguard stands, as these will indicate severe weather, strong currents, dangerous sea life, and other hazards.  If you are unsure of the meaning of the flags, ask the lifeguard. 

Never swim alone

Swimming alone is never a good idea, and allowing your children to swim unsupervised in open water is not safe. Even if you are positioned on the beach and they are within your sight, you might not be able to respond quick enough to help them in the event of an emergency. To be safer in open water, always swim with your children, or have another trusted adult who knows how to swim, be in the water with the children as well. This will insure that someone is within arm’s reach should an accident occur.

If you are looking for private swimming lessons for your child, or toddlers swimming lessons, contact Zodiac Swim School today. Their professional instructors have a class or lesson that can benefit your family and help teach safety for open water swimming.