You will often hear us say "swim your own swim". It is very important advice in open water.
What do we mean by it and how can you do it?
If you meet up with us at our Community Swim on a Monday night, you will notice that we have a swim area, where we, as Open Water Coaches, can look out for your safety. We do a dynamic risk assessment on arrival and take note of the weather conditions, sea temperature and any other risks that are apparent such as other water users and boats etc. Before the swim starts we advise you of the risks and what to do if you start to struggle. Then we all enter the water. We are aware of any newcomers to watch out for and with those who have been swimming with us for a while, we are able to notice if something looks amiss with you. You will feel at ease swimming and dipping, knowing the risks and dangers beforehand and also as there are often so many of us, you can buddy up with someone of a similar ability. If not one of us will usually swim or dip with you.
"Swim your own swim" means knowing your own abilities and staying within those boundaries. You know how you feel in the water. You may be nervous, you may not like going out of your depth. You may not like the cold. You may get tired and prefer to dip. You need to think about the things that make a swim good for you.
Don't Follow Everyone Else!
Do your own personal risk assessment when you arrive at the beach. Check out the weather forecast. Check the wind. Look around to see who else is using the water. Other swimmers, boats, wind surfers, jet skis? How cold is the sea?
Don't be influenced by how far someone else is swimming, or how long they are swimming for. You just do what feels best for you.
When it is very cold in the winter, only stay in for however long feels best for you. Don't feel you have to be in for the same amount of time as everyone else.
If you need to wear a wetsuit, do so. Don't worry about others who may brag about how they can go through the winter months without a wetsuit. You just do what is best for you.
Make Suggestions
Suggest a swim area so you can all be contained in the same area looking out for each other. Those who swim faster and greater distances than you, can still do this without being too far away from you.
If being out of your depth makes you feel uneasy, speak up and say so. Tell the group you will be close to shore. If they notice you are moving out of your depth, they can draw your attention to it.
Forget about the "1 minute rule". It's nonsense. You just stay in as long as is right for you. You only need to be in for a couple of minutes to attain the buzz of cold water swimming.
If you are on an A to B swim and you are slower than the rest, speak up and say. Arrange a mid point to stop, to wait for slower swimmers to catch up. Swim back to them if you are getting cold and want to keep moving. If you are one of the faster swimmers allow a rest period for the slower ones if they need it, before you all set off again.
Swimming your own swim, makes swimming enjoyable for you. Always look out for other swimmers around you!
©Solent Swim School 2023
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