The Water Matters
Open water swimmers are no strangers to adapting — we face wind, waves, and water temperatures. This time the challenge isn’t about endurance or weather. It’s about water quality.
Boulder Aquatic Masters recently canceled what would have been the last open water swim of the season at the reservoir (and rightfully so). The decision came after a blue-green algae advisory was posted, a reminder that even in well-loved and frequently used bodies of water, conditions can shift quickly. Blue-Green algae blloms are caused by warm, nutrient -rich water, appearing as colorful clouds-even resemble blu spilled paint on the water.
For open water swimmers, clean and safe water isn’t just preferred — it’s essential. Training plans, race calendars, and community events all rest on the foundation of water quality. When conditions aren’t safe, the right choice is to step back, even if it means ending the season a bit earlier than planned.
In the end, this is part of the open water experience: respecting the water. And when the water is good, the swims — and the friendships built around them — become that much more meaningful.