Let's Swim Safely!

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If you do become unwell with diarrhoea or any other symptoms, seek medical help and let them know you have been open water swimming. Do not swim again until you have had no diarrhoeal symptoms for at least 48 hours, or for a longer period if advised by a doctor. Information on bathing water and beach risks Water wings and pool noodles are toys — not drowning prevention devices,” Smith says. Especially in the ocean, the wind and current can carry kids offshore or lure kids into deeper water to chase a toy that got away from them. “Floatable toys should be used by those who are capable to be in areas of the water safely without them,” Ramos adds. 6. Follow Any Posted Water Safety Rules Signs at most public pools and beaches will point you to designated swimming areas and warn you about specific dangers, whether it’s a pool too shallow for diving or an ocean beach with strong currents or riptides, says Ramos. Aim to swim at a beach that is lifeguarded. If you have never been to the location, speak to the lifeguards – let them know of your plans and, most importantly, take their advice! (Be aware that they are there to manage the main swimming and surfing areas).

If you are struggling, remember to keep calm, face the shore and signal for help by raising one arm.Is there anybody else using the beach? Are there any boat users or creel (fisherman’s) pots in the water? Are the boats motorized or sailing craft? Don’t push yourself to the max to do more laps faster than you ever have before, or urge your child to master new skills like swimming the entire length of the pool on their own. And don’t push your limits just to show off or keep up with your friends and family. “Be honest with yourself about your swimming ability and don’t feel pressure to hide it from others if it’s not up to the level of others you’re swimming with,” Ramos says. “Overextending yourself to keep up with others can lead to trouble.” The Water Safety Code provides essential and easy-to-remember information to help people plan for their activity and understand what they should do in an emergency. 1. Stop and think – Always Swim in a Safe Place

When swimming outdoors you must always stay together. With younger children keep them within arms reach when in on or around the water. Before the pandemic, about 4,000 people died by drowning in the United States each year, and another 8,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for drowning injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children — particularly kids younger than 5 — consistently have the highest drowning rate. Plan your exit before you get into the water. Consider any currents, the tidal flow and wind direction. Decide how long you are going to be in the sea for. Up to date bathing water quality information is available online during the bathing season between May and September. Other considerations to help you choose where to go include: Want to find out more about how to swim in the ocean? Read on to find out everything you need to know to take the plunge. We've also answered another question asked by many swimmers: Is it dangerous to eat right before you swim? An overview

Don't jump or dive into any water unless you know the depth (it might look fun, but this can cause a ruptured spinal cord and paralysis or can be fatal). Our swim lessons are a great way to empower children to learn life-saving skills that allow them to make lasting memories in and around water — safely. Our progressive swimming lessons prioritize proper technique and essential water safety in comfortable, warm-water pools that inspire confidence and fun. Anyone can become unwell from swimming in any open water as there will always be micro-organisms present. The risk of becoming ill depends on various factors: Is there anybody else using the beach? Are there any boat users or creel pots in the water? Are the boats motorised or with sails?

Open water swimming refers to swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea, rather than at a swimming pool. Without the confines of ropes and lanes it can be an invigorating experience. However, swimming in open water carries different risks to swimming in a pool. You even burn more calories swimming in the sea because the heart has to pump faster in cold water and the body has to work harder to keep everything warm - so it’s always a bonus to have a cup of tea and piece of cake afterwards!" Before you go for your swim, take a while to observe the water. Look at what is happening, how is the ocean behaving? But swimming in the ocean could be one way to reconnect with nature – and ourselves, said cold water fan and extreme athlete Wim Hof.Open water swimming is intensely rewarding but comes with obvious risks," said qualified swimming coach Sarah Wiseman, who runs an open water swim school. Ask yourself, is it safe for me to swim? Do your own risk assessment of the area you are choosing to swim. Useful information to help you choose a good swimming spot Before you go Waves are formed by the wind. The size of the wave depends on how long and how hard the wind blows. Waves break as they move into shallower waters closer to the shoreline. How waves break on the shoreline depend on the shape and slope of the ground below it. The three types of waves Spilling waves It is important for swimmers to know the dangers when swimming outdoors and preferably swim at a lifeguarded beach, organised session or supervised venue.