https://community.usms.org/swimming/f/open-water-training-and-technique/25381/coast-guard-restrictionsI have always been a pool swimmer but...my family just booked a vacation on Ocean Isle Beach, NC this August. OIB is one of a string of barrier islands that look to be anywhere from 500-700 yards apart. Got me thinking about trying a little open wateren-USTelligent Community 12https://community.usms.org/thread/270204?ContentTypeID=1Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:38:53 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:f5303d3c-1363-41e4-843e-38c5a282058forca1946I think that this would be fine with only 5 - 700 yards between them. Ask some locals. With a boat/kayak with you that is more than a lot us of have when in open water at short distances, Good luck &amp; have fun.<div style="clear:both;"></div>https://community.usms.org/thread/270166?ContentTypeID=1Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:56:31 GMT3187ac58-ba85-4314-b79a-c45cd885e09a:44b84c4c-fdf6-4fba-a5be-fd12848d5162Former Membermore simple to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission. if you see coast guard traffic, you ought to stick to your beachfront. use extreme caution - be aware of boat channels for recreational boaters and anglers - i presume you will not be in, or proximate to, commercial ship channels certain landmarks / entities represent potential and exposures to terrorist activities, e.g. bridges, power plants... probably ought to know something about the islands you are swimming to, e.g. bird rookeries, sea turtle nestings, parks and sanctuaries happy swimmin&#39;<div style="clear:both;"></div>