Staying Safe While Swimming
Going for a swim in cold, open water can be exhilarating, but it’s not without risk. So if it’s your first time open water swimming or cold water dipping, it’s important to speak to a health care professional to discuss the risks of cold water immersion before you go.
Always arrange to go with a buddy. Sea swimming is much more fun with someone else, and you can look out for each other. It’s also good to tell someone on shore where you are going and when you will be back. They’ll be able to call for help if you are overdue back.
For full advice on open water swimming, please visit the RNLI website.
Safe Swimming Guidelines
1
Choose a safe place to swim
Make sure you’re prepared for your open water swim. Check the weather and tides, choose your spot, go with a buddy, have the right equipment.
If in doubt, don’t go out. No matter how much preparation you do, or how experienced you are, if a swim doesn’t feel right there is no shame in getting out of the water straight away, or not entering.
If in doubt, don’t go out. No matter how much preparation you do, or how experienced you are, if a swim doesn’t feel right there is no shame in getting out of the water straight away, or not entering.
2
Choose a safe place to swim
Make sure you acclimatise to avoid cold water shock.
Be seen. Wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float.
Stay within your depths.
Be seen. Wear a bright coloured swim hat and take a tow float.
Stay within your depths.
3
Choose a safe place to swim
Float to live.
Entering water under 15°C can seriously impact your ability to breathe and move. If you get into the water too quickly or fall in unexpectedly, you may experience cold water shock. If this happens, fight your instinct to swim. Turn onto your back and tilt your head back in the water, submerging your ears. Relax and try to breathe normally, using your hands to helps you stay afloat. Wait until the shock passes then call for help or swim to safety.
Entering water under 15°C can seriously impact your ability to breathe and move. If you get into the water too quickly or fall in unexpectedly, you may experience cold water shock. If this happens, fight your instinct to swim. Turn onto your back and tilt your head back in the water, submerging your ears. Relax and try to breathe normally, using your hands to helps you stay afloat. Wait until the shock passes then call for help or swim to safety.
