I'm new to open water swimming but I'm not much of a group joiner. I know everyone says don't swim alone but...
Does anyone know of any devise that is made that will increase my visability to others in the water, and perhaps be used as an emergency flotation device if I get into trouble?
I was searching on the internet and have seen the lifeguard cans and tubes but didn't know if there was anything made specifically for what I want it for.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Former Member
I saw an article maybe 1 or 2 years ago about some sort of CO2 cartridge device that you wear under your suit and inflate if needed. But I never saw the actual device.
I've tried the "lifeguard" rescue tube for solo swims but I have found the strap to be encumbering for long swims - especially if the wind is at the wrong angle.
Are you nuts?! What is the difference between an accident on land and in the water. On land you have the option of lying down and waiting for help. In the water a minor problem could prove fatal if you can't keep your pie hole above the water.
If you are talking about swimming the perimeter of a guarded beach, OK, that's reasonably safe. If you are just jumping into a lake by yourself, without so much as someone on shore watching you, then you are taking on far more risks than simply not being seen by boaters.
Please rethink this and find a group.
Matt
My brother used to train in Hamilton Bay (about a two mile swim accross) and wrapped a rope around his waist to tow a navy whaler behind him he said if he had trouble he would get into the whaler and row ashore. I would never swim alone in open water.
i swim daily in the pacific ocean, off hilo hawaii, couple hundred yards offshore, and have no problems, while i am swimming with fins, and goggles, or to make yourself even more secure, use snorkel, if this doesnt make you secure, i dont know what to suggest.
I had a very good friend who swam for Canada in the Olympics and the Commonwealth games who used to swim in the ocean by himself he was swimming off his boat one day and he has never been seen since. Never swim alone.
I've done a lot of ocean races and workouts and the only time I've ever been scared was when I was alone. And when I get scared I always think to myself, "you gotta be nuts to be doing this alone, you're breaking the cardinal rule of swimming." And the other thing I think is, "if one of my children was doing this, they wouldn't have to worry about the sharks, I'd kill 'em myself." NEVER SWIM ALONE.
Have you thought about trailing a diving flag/buoy thing behind you?
That said, if there are groups in your area, do join one. It will make swimming a lot more fun.
(What's wrong with swimming alone, parallel to the shore of a guarded beach? While I do understand how important it is swim with a buddy, people swim like this where I live all the time- myself included. Admittedly, I try to swim at times when there will be others in the water, and use the manned lifeguard huts as distance markers... OK- and I'm only a few feet from shore ;) )
