I am swimming in a 1.7 mile open water swim and was wondering if anyone had safety tips for my practicing. I was thinking of maybe using some sort of torpedo float attached to my ankle (just something colourful to tow), is that a bad idea? If not, where could I purchase guard-type floats?
Former Member
I am swimming in a 1.7 mile open water swim and was wondering if anyone had safety tips for my practicing. I was thinking of maybe using some sort of torpedo float attached to my ankle (just something colourful to tow), is that a bad idea? If not, where could I purchase guard-type floats?
for visability a bright cap is a good idea.
avoid areas with a lot of recreational boat activity.
its always better to swim with a partner.
for visability a bright cap is a good idea.
avoid areas with a lot of recreational boat activity.
its always better to swim with a partner.
I have to second Dave on this one. I do a fair amount of training at VA Beach with my swim buddy, and the big danger there is not so much the boats but the kiteboarders. They move REALLY fast, and we are quite invisible in the water without our revoltingly Day-glo swim caps.
Another consideration is cold water. The british open water swimming association makes a suggestion, which I like to follow whenever the water temps get into the lower sixties or below. Always have a person on shore paralleling your swim, with a cell phone. If anything happens they can call 911 and maybe even pull you out of the water. Wetsuits are a great safety option cause of the flotation they provide. Never swim alone. Never swim without telling someone you are going for a swim, and then check in with them when you are done.
:2cents:
When ever I trained in open water I would swim with a buddy, I also trained along a half mile long bouyed swim area never alone. On other occasions we swam as a group with a boat attending (a kayak, row boat or cannoe). As a pro I paid for a trainer to come with me he would use a kyak.
All three of Daves answers are good.
I was thinking of maybe using some sort of torpedo float attached to my ankle
How is that going to affect your kicking? Is there anywhere you could tie it that wouldn't detract from your balance or technique?
