What this open water skill is
Open water is very different from a pool. There are no walls to hold, you may not see the bottom, and the water can be cold. Conditions can also change during a swim. So before every swim, you and your supervisor look at the water together and agree on a plan.
The plan covers where you get in and out, how far you go and who your buddy is. It includes a landmark to swim toward, and what to do if you need to stop. It is the first of the open-water skills, and getting in safely comes next.
Why it matters
Conditions decide the swim.
Wind, waves, currents and water temperature change from day to day. Checking first means you only swim when it is suitable.
You always know the way out.
Agreeing on the exit beforehand means you know where to head if you need to get out.
Someone always knows where you are.
Your buddy and your supervisor both know the plan, so you are never out there alone.
A plan keeps you calm.
Knowing what to do if something changes takes a lot of worry out of the swim.
Who it is for
Teens and adults who are confident in the pool and want to swim in lakes, rivers or the sea, for fun, fitness or an event. Before open water, you should be able to swim without stopping and float to rest. You should also be able to tread water, which means staying upright in deep water by moving your arms and legs. If you are thinking of this for your teen, it suits strong teen swimmers, always with close supervision. Younger children should only try open water in a supervised program for their age.
Before getting in
The goal
Before getting in, you check the water, the weather and the way out with your supervisor. You can say who your buddy is, what you will swim toward and how you will get back.
Why it matters
A few minutes on the shore make the whole swim safer. They also mean everyone knows what to do if plans change.
What happens in lessons
Talking it through in your pool.
Your instructor explains what to check, and you practise saying your plan out loud.
Reading the water.
You learn what to look for: wind, waves, currents, temperature and anything in the water.
Choosing a landmark.
You learn to pick something tall and easy to see from the water, like a big tree or a building.
Agreeing the plan every time.
Before each supervised swim, you and your supervisor agree on the exit, the distance, your buddy and when to turn back.
How you can help between lessons
We practise this one in lessons only, with your instructor right there in the water.
Common questions
- Can I learn this in my own pool?
- Much of the groundwork, yes. Your instructor can talk through the plan with you and practise skills like looking ahead and resting on your back. The open-water swims themselves only happen at a supervised venue with safety cover, such as lifeguards or a safety boat.
- What conditions mean we should not swim?
- Strong wind, big waves, currents, storms, poor visibility, very cold water or warnings about water quality. When in doubt, nobody swims. There is always another day.
- Do I need a wetsuit?
- Not always. It depends on the water temperature and on any event rules. A wetsuit adds warmth and helps you float, but it feels different, so try it first in calm, supervised water.
- What should I wear so I can be seen?
- A brightly coloured swim cap, and often a tow float: a bright inflatable float that clips to your waist and trails behind you. Both help others spot you.
- I am a strong swimmer. Can I swim open water alone?
- No. Always swim with a buddy and a supervisor, however strong you are. Open water can surprise anyone.
