I am new to open water swimming and have a question for all you experienced swimmers.
I am thinking about swimming in a local fresh water lake at a state park. My plan is to swim about 50 -75 yards off the beach and swim parallel to the shore. I am thing about towing a lifeguard rescue tube behind me for safety and for visability.
Am I crazy for thinking this way?
Parents
Former Member
I'm 55 and started life guarding on the ocean at 16. I swim alone in open water, always have, always will. But keep in mind, you are not just 100 yards from people who can help. Things can happen fast and there is little likelihood anyone could help you. 100 yards, 1000 yards the reasoning is the same. I lived in Alaska at Denali National Park years ago. I would go backpacking in the wilderness alone, something YOU should never do. The same rules apply to swimming in open water alone. Know your abilities, assess the risks and then ask yourself is this something I want to experience. Swimming alone is not just a swim workout with a lot of extra water around you.
I'm 55 and started life guarding on the ocean at 16. I swim alone in open water, always have, always will. But keep in mind, you are not just 100 yards from people who can help. Things can happen fast and there is little likelihood anyone could help you. 100 yards, 1000 yards the reasoning is the same. I lived in Alaska at Denali National Park years ago. I would go backpacking in the wilderness alone, something YOU should never do. The same rules apply to swimming in open water alone. Know your abilities, assess the risks and then ask yourself is this something I want to experience. Swimming alone is not just a swim workout with a lot of extra water around you.
