Great, spring has really started! Swimming enthusiasts who like to swim in open water can look forward to a refreshing dive. But as tempting as it sounds, it's certainly not without danger and really different from swimming in the pool. Here are a few tips and do you want to prepare for swimming in open water all year round? You can also train in the swimming pool with lifeguard class.
Breathing rhythm:
Breathing while swimming is one of the most difficult points for most inexperienced swimmers. Shortness of breath, being out of breath very quickly or not having a fixed breathing rhythm are common problems. Therefore, try to create a stable breathing rhythm. Inhale through your mouth above water and exhale slowly and slowly underwater. Do not blow all the air out of your lungs completely (as you would with a considerable effort), because then you will feel short of breath. Count the breaths for yourself, one count in and three counts (i.e. strokes if your front crawl swims) out. Especially if you just jump into the cold water, you can gasp for breath. That is precisely why it is important to start slowly with a breathing rhythm, so that you can then continue to breathe calmly and stably.
Direction:
In the pool it is simple, the black line in the middle of the lane and the lines on either side ensure that you stay straight. This is different in open water. Even experienced swimmers cannot swim in a straight line without looking. So you have to lift your head every now and then to check whether you are still in the right direction. Lift your head slightly every 10 to 15 strokes to see if you're going in the right direction. Use a calibration point for each piece, for example a buoy. Swimming blindly behind someone is certainly no guarantee of the right direction, so keep your direction in your own hands.
Take someone with you:
Especially if you are not used to swimming outside, it is nice if someone can keep an eye on you on the side. If you do get cramps or become unwell, there is someone who can see you immediately and can help. If you are more experienced, let someone know that you are going to swim, where and for how long. Keep in touch (by phone) before entering the water and after you get out. Also purchase a 'floater' that you can tie on and make you visible. But again, taking someone with you is the most sensible choice and highly recommended.
Stay calm:
Easier said than done: don't panic. Many people find it exciting that you see almost nothing in Dutch water. It can give an indefinable feeling. Where do I swim to, what else is swimming here and what do I feel in my toe? Fortunately, there are absolutely no dangerous animals in the water in the Netherlands, at the most you can feel an aquatic plant along your legs. Raise your head occasionally if you can't see enough underwater and try to swim with confidence.
Stand out:
Wear a brightly colored swim cap so others can see you well. A bright swimming cap is quickly spotted by surfers or rowers, for example, and it is also so easy for your spotter on the side that you keep an eye on during your training with lifeguard recertification usa.
Also Read About: 5 practical tips for swimming open water for the first time
Even more tips:
- Check the quality of the bathing water, for example via RWS .
- Check the temperature of the water to make sure it is not too cold and always use a wetsuit and swimming cap up to 18 degrees.
- Assess the situation on the spot. Is there a current? What are the weather forecasts? How do I recognize my starting point? Where do I swim? What are other risks?
- Start swimming in the shallows or closer to shore. As the temperature increases, you can go further out on the water.
- Make sure you have a thermal blanket and hot drink at your disposal afterwards, in case you are really too cold.