Staying safe while swimming

 

Open Water Leeds and safety

Open water / outdoor / wild swimming is brilliant. But it is not ‘safe’. There are risks involved, and you must make your own risk assessment each time you go swimming - just like each time you cross a road you make your own assessment about whether it is safe, the best way and the best place to do it.

Every year people who are in open water die. However the outdoor swimming community believe that the way to avoid this is better education, signage and understanding of the risks and benefits, rather than blanket prohibition.

Being informed about the risks, knowledgeable about the setting and your own capabilities are key to making the best decisions. Make sure you have educated yourself about these things before you go swimming for the first time, and remind yourself of them regularly. I’ve summarised key points here - but please visit the links and find out more.

 

Know the risks

Cold water shock

  • Can happen when temperature is below 15 degrees.

  • Can cause a sharp intake of breath and increased breathing rate.

  • Enter the water slowly and keep your head above the water until it passes. Don’t dive or jump in.

Cold water incapacitation

  • This can lead to you being uncoordinated and losing strength.

  • If you find yourself slowing down or struggling, it’s time to get out. Swim along the sides rather than across lakes.

Afterdrop and hypothermia

  • The body temperature continues to fall after you leave the water. You might feel great at first, but 20 minutes later be shivering and feeling unwell. Get dry and dressed quickly, and have something warm to drink.

  • Look out for signs of hypothermia in yourself and others. This includes the ‘umbles’ - mumbles, grumbles, fumbles and stumbles.

Remember that your own tolerance to the water will change daily depending on your food intake, sleep, hangover, hormones as well as temperature and weather.

 

Key safety tips

  • Research where you are swimming. But remember things change and you must always make your own judgement on the day.

  • Know your exit from the water before you get in.

  • Swim with other people.

  • Swim sober.

  • Assess the water conditions (flow, depth, water quality).

  • Be aware that although the top layer is warm, below the water may be significantly colder.

  • Know your own limits. Be aware and honest about your skill and fitness.

  • Watch your children at all times when in open water.

  • Be prepared to walk away and come back another day.

  • Have warm dry clothes to get changed into.

  • Have a snack and a drink (ideally warm) for afterwards.

 

These tips are adapted from the excellent information on the Outdoor Swimming Society website, which go into much more detail. Please take the time to educate yourself before you swim.