A great pursuit, but safety is vital for participants in the open water

Lisa Dunne looks at the guidelines that make open water swimming both safe and enjoyable

OPEN water swimming has seen a huge increase in popularity in the last 12-18 months. Sligo is lucky to have lots of fantastic locations for such an activity.

This hobby can have both physical and mental health benefits. Many people describe the feeling of intense satisfaction after plunging into cold water.

Year-round swimmers believe that the sea has the potential to alleviate the effects of several physical ailments, including arthritis and chronic pain.

There are a number of things to be mindful of in order to have a safe open water swimming experience. It is very important to consider the weather forecast and the tides. Many people have started to swim in the open water in recent months.

A good time to start is in the summer when the water temperature in Ireland is somewhere between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius. The sensible way to acclimatise to cold water is to swim in it regularly and gradually extend your time in the water.

For the beginner or novice swimmer, Water Safety Ireland’s advice is always “swim within your depth, stay within your depth”.

The following guidelines from Water Safety Ireland should be followed when swimming in the open water.

NEVER SWIM ALONE: The Irish climate is unpredictable, that means the sea can change very quickly.

MAKE SURE YOU CAN BE SEEN: It is essential that you wear a brightly coloured swimming cap that stands out in the water so other water users can see you. You should also use a bright coloured tow float for the same reason.

ALCOHOL AND WATER

NEVER MIX: Three in 10 people who drown have consumed alcohol before entering the water. Alcohol severely reduces your ability to swim and respond to risks as it impairs your judgement.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY: Do not let yourself get too cold in the water. Your body will react differently to the cold on different days.

If you are tired or developing a cold or flu you can start to feel colder, faster than usual. A useful rule of thumb is “get in warm, get out warm”. Don’t stay in the water until you are feeling cold.

WARM UP FAST: It is important to warm up as quickly as possible after your swim. Get dry and dressed in warm layers of clothing as quickly as possible. Warm drinks are also a great way to bring your body temperature back to normal.

While one might think that all you need for open water swimming is a pair of togs, there are many accessories which can help to keep you warm and make your swim more enjoyable.

A silicone cap, dry absorbent towel, ear plugs, tow float, standing mat, floating goggles, as well as warm clothing (including a hat, booties or socks, gloves) and a thermal flask containing a hot drink to have after exiting the water will all aid a more enjoyable and safe experience. Open water swimming has many benefits and in Sligo there are many locations to enjoy such exercise. Sligo Water Safety look forward to continuing sharing advice from Water Safety Ireland regarding open water swimming.

On Wednesday of last week, June 23, Sligo Water Safety organised a free online presentation about open water swimming.

Water Safety Ireland have lots of information on their website with practical tips regarding open water swimming. These can be found at www.watersafety.ie/ open-water-swimming/.