What this open water skill is
In a pool, the bottom is smooth and easy to see. At a beach or lake, it may be rocky, slippery or soft, or it may drop away suddenly. The water is often colder than it looks. So you walk in slowly, feel your way with your feet, and let your breathing settle before you swim.
No running in, and no diving: the bottom may be shallower than it looks. Getting out matters just as much, so you return to the exit you marked, with your buddy. Next comes looking ahead to stay on course.
Why it matters
Fewer slips and surprises.
A slow entry lets you find rocks, holes and sudden drops before they surprise you.
A gentler start in cold water.
Going in gradually softens the gasp that cold water can cause.
A calm beginning.
Starting slowly means you begin your swim relaxed, not rushed.
A safe way out.
Coming back to a planned exit avoids steep, rocky or slippery bits of shore.
Who it is for
Teens, adults and older adults starting open-water swimming from a beach, a lakeshore or a gently sloping bank. Even strong pool swimmers need to learn how different a natural shore feels. Older swimmers may find water shoes and a steadying hand from a buddy helpful on uneven ground. If you are reading this for your teen, the same careful approach applies to them.
From the shore
The goal
You walk into the water step by step, checking the ground and letting your body get used to the cold before you swim. At the end, you come back to the marked exit with your buddy.
Why it matters
Many slips, falls and cold-water shocks happen in the first few steps. A slow, steady entry helps you avoid them.
What happens in lessons
Knowing what to expect.
Your instructor talks you through how a natural shore feels, and what to do at each step.
Calm breathing first.
In the pool, you practise breathing out slowly as you lower yourself into the water.
Step by step, at a supervised venue.
When you are ready for open water, you walk in slowly with your buddy, pausing at each depth, with a supervisor watching.
Coming back to the exit.
You swim back to the exit you marked and walk out carefully, with your buddy close by.
How you can help between lessons
We practise this one in lessons only, with your instructor right there in the water.
What's normal along the way
Common questions
- Should I run in, like people do in races?
- Not while learning. Race starts are a separate skill, practised only with event safety cover. A slow, careful entry is always the safer choice.
- What about the gasp when cold water hits?
- It is a normal reflex. Walking in slowly, splashing your face and neck, and breathing out slowly all help it pass.
- Should I wear water shoes?
- They help on rocky or shell-covered shores. Choose a snug pair, so they stay on in the water.
- What if I cannot find the exit when I come back?
- That is why you mark it clearly beforehand and swim back with your buddy. If you are unsure, stop, float, look for your landmark and signal your supervisor.
