Safety tips reinforced as open-water swim ban ends
Posted by Steve Cox on 13th May 2020
As we mentioned earlier today, it's now officially OK to take to the open water for swim training.
And as expected, the lifting of restrictions has prompted British Triathlon, along with Swim England and the Royal Life Saving Society, to issue some timely key safety advice.
Anticipating that removing the restrictions might tempt some swimmers to make their first venture into open water, but equally, could lead to even more experienced ones unwittingly putting themselves at risk, the three bodies are urging all swimmers to take on board these updated guidelines.
The new COVID-19 guidance to open water swimmers - currently covering the situation in England, but importantly, not the other home countries - stresses that outdoor exercise is only allowed with one other person from outside your own household.
"Open water swimming in lakes and the sea [is] permitted as long as you continue to observe social distancing guidelines and ensure you are two metres away from anyone," the guidance points out.
Other important safety points to bear in mind include:
- Never swim alone
- Social distancing guidelines must be observed, including when arriving on-site, changing and after swimming
- Make sure someone else from your household knows where you are, and when you expect to be home
- Be aware of your own responsibility to be fit and healthy enough to go open-water swimming - if in doubt about the effects of any pre-existing medical conditions, do not swim
- Only non-RNLI volunteer lifeguards are currently on patrol, so understand all the risks before going into the water.
SH2OUT, a body which promotes safe open-water swimming, has produced a list of accredited open-water swimming venues, which you'll find at https://www.sh2out.org/safe-venues/search?. It also urges anyone planning an open water swimming trip to call their intended venue first to check that it is open - some venues are running pre-booking systems to ensure that social distancing practices can be observed.
The full advice also gives a list of suggested equipment for open-water swimming, as well as important tips on planning your session, and how to conduct yourself at your chosen location in light of the latest guidelines.
Jane Nickerson, Swim England Chief Executive, said: “It’s imperative that even the most seasoned of open water swimmer reads through this advice and follows it carefully.
“Not knowing the temperature of the water or how strong the current is could lead to swimmers struggling and in need of emergency help.
“That’s something we’re keen to avoid at all times but even more so in the current situation.
“We’re pleased to have worked so closely with British Triathlon and RLSS UK on this guidance to ensure our members can enjoy the beauty of our natural surroundings safely.”
Andy Salmon, Chief Executive of British Triathlon, said: “We would encourage anyone considering open water swimming over the coming weeks to think before doing so and read our advice very carefully.
“During these unprecedented times, it is vital that we think of others before ourselves and make sure we neither risk spreading Covid-19 or place unnecessary burden on emergency services.
“We would also urge swimmers to comply with government guidance on social distance and travel.”
Royal Life Saving Society UK Chief Executive Robert Gofton concluded: “Please stay sensible, know your limitations, and please enjoy the water, safely.”