What this open water skill is
In open water there is no wall to turn at. At a buoy, you change direction mid-swim, often with other swimmers close by. You look ahead, choose a line that leaves space, turn with a few calm strokes, then find your next landmark.
The real skill is awareness: seeing who is around you and turning without kicking or grabbing anyone. It comes after learning to look ahead to stay on course. Next comes breathing in choppy water.
Why it matters
Calm in a crowd.
Knowing how to turn smoothly takes the stress out of busy moments.
Safer for everyone.
Looking before you turn avoids knocks and collisions.
Staying on course.
Finding your next landmark quickly after a turn saves energy.
Who it is for
Teens and adults who can look ahead to stay on course and are preparing for organized open-water swims or triathlons. The turn is learned in a pool first, around a floating marker or your instructor. Only then is it tried outdoors, at a supervised event or group swim. If your teen is heading for a triathlon or an open-water event, this is an important step.
In a supervised group
The goal
You approach the buoy while keeping an eye on the swimmers around you. You turn smoothly, leave space for others, and carry on in the new direction.
Why it matters
Buoys are where swimmers bunch together. Turning with care keeps you and everyone near you safe.
What happens in lessons
A buoy in your pool.
Your instructor sets up a floating marker, or stands in the water as one, for you to swim around.
Look first.
You practise checking who is nearby before you choose your line.
A smooth turn.
You practise turning with a few calm strokes, keeping your kick small.
Find the next landmark.
Straight after the turn, you look up to pick out where you are heading next.
Supervised group swims.
When you are ready, you try it at a supervised venue or event, with safety cover on the water.
Common questions
- Can I hold on to the buoy for a rest?
- Course buoys are markers, not rest stops, and many events do not allow it. If you need a rest, roll onto your back or signal the safety crew.
- Should I go wide or tight?
- Wide is calmer and safer when there is a crowd. Tight is shorter. While you are learning, go wide.
- What if someone bumps into me?
- It happens. Stay calm, keep your arms and legs controlled, and move into open space. If anyone seems to be struggling, signal the safety crew straight away.
- Can this be learned in a pool?
- Yes. A floating marker, or your instructor standing in the water, plays the part of the buoy. The open-water part always happens at a supervised venue.
