West Bay Sea Swimming
sea swimming tips
Before you head to the beach, look at the surf forecast- be aware of what is, and what might be happening with the sea.
Don’t swim alone. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be in the sea alone, rather that there should be someone there keeping an eye on you. This can be another swimmer, or a watcher onshore; a warm, dry friend with a phone is a good thing!
Make yourself very visible, especially in choppy seas; wear a bright swim hat, or a bright woolly hat if you are a woolly hat wearer. Consider a tow float.
The wave direction, wind direction, wave period, wave height can all change dramatically, even in the duration of a swim. First, stand - stare - then stay aware! once you are swimming.
Talk to others who have already swum; are there any currents, pulls, issues getting out etc. to be aware of?
However, each swim is your own responsibility, no one can tell you if it is safe for you to swim. Know your limits.
Don’t go in because others go in. They may be stronger swimmers than you, they may be more acclimatised to the conditions, they may have no sense whatsoever. There is no shame in gearing up and then just deciding to drink your tea instead. There is no reason to go in if you are not feeling comfortable about it- the sea will there tomorrow.
Acclimatise yourself to cold water. Enter the water slowly & let your body to get used to the temperature in order to avoid gasping, uncontrollable breathing or panic: i.e. cold water shock.
Bring tea! Or any warm drink. Consider bringing a hot water bottle.
Be aware of afterdrop; your core temperature will continue to drop after you leave the water, quite possibly even after you are dressed and heading home. This can result in shivering, which isn't necessarily bad, or nausea, faintness, or even hyporthermia, which obviously is. Dry quickly, dress quickly, warm up slowly (eg. a hot water bottle, but not a hot shower). Move around, and don’t drive if you are shivering or feeling in any way off.
Write your personal information- e.g. name and emergency contact phone number, written somewhere- your bag and tow float perhaps- and make sure someone on the beach has this info.