7 tips for novice sea swimmers

Getaway’s Welcome Lishivha recently completed a swimming course so that he could enjoy the beach fully, beyond a walk on the shore. ‘After learning to float and developing a pattern for arm strokes and feet paddling, the only thing I had to do was practise. It turned out that a swim in the ocean was my final step in gaining full confidence in the water.’ Here are tips worth keeping in mind as you head to the beach this summer:

1 Make sure the weather conditions are good before you swim.

2 Do not swim alone, but always within sight of other people, ideally lifeguards.

3 Read the beach noticeboards for lifeguard schedules and other useful safety information, such as sections of the water considered unsafe.

4 It is better to get into the water quickly (run if you must) and start swimming immediately instead of slowly entering the water. Your recovery from loss of body heat will be quicker.

5 As you swim, locate the sun, mountains and other visible high points to gauge your distance from the shore. However, minimise the amount of time you look around by doing it quickly, within one stroke, and occasionally. You’ll also get a better perspective at the crest of a wave.

6 Straight-arm recovery after each stroke is more efficient when swimming in the sea than the bent-arm recovery often recommended for pools.

7 When you’re tired or panic starts to kick in, float on your back and look up. You’ll calm down and prepare mentally to get back into the groove.