Swimming Safety Issues

[Admin]

Would you risk a swim in open water alone without the necessary safety facilities in place?

Let us know your views...

[DOtriHarder]

Although it's probably safe 90% of the time it isn't a good idea to open water swim alone, but even if you have someone with you and they aren't a swimmer or in a boat you are still not safe; they maybe able to raise the alarm, but only to recover your body!
Better to train with others
David

[Wella]

I must admit I've yet to try open water swimming but I guess it depends on where you do it. If you go to a local lake people/boats may not know you are there but if you are by the coast people are out swimming on their own all the time and no one thinks twice about it.

Personally when I need to start open water swimming, next spring I think, I'll attend the organaised sessions.

[Cenzo]

Under no circumstance would I ever swim open water alone. I'm a reasonably strong swimmer (top 1/2 of most races I've competed in) but even the strongest swimmers can have problems.
At the very least I'd consider it foolish, you only get to drown once!

[Jonbrown]

[font="times new roman"][size=3]Strange thing I always get bit apprehensive with open water swims even in competitions with safety boat etc in place as not the best swimmer. But growing up on Cornish coast and surfed since I was 12 (now vet) I would happily paddle out in 10 foot waves as sun went down to get couple of hours of private waves (oh the long past days of empty beaches). Must be down to bit of glass fibre wrapped polystyrene confidence – despite fact it’s just as likely to spring back on it’s leash to smash you in face! Would be interesting to know accident/fatalities rates for 3 disciplines, is cycling is most dangerous?[/size][/font]

[Outwin]

Interesting. Have been swimming in the River Wye for the Spring/Summer sometimes with buddies sometimes alone. In terms of risk, certainly consider cycling to more dangerous...more likely to get splatted than drown. Nes Pa?

[amd]

I though tthat running was actually the more dangerous of our sports per KM travelled.

[pacrfish]

I swim in the sea alone, but always with someone 'spotting' from the shore. But then I never run or cycle without telling someone exactly where I'm going and when I'll be back, so maybe I'm just more cautious.

I think there are dangers in all three disciplines, but whether we need 'official' safety procedures in place, I don't know. Common sense goes a long way.

[cranmere]

Of course. I've swum in rivers, lakes and the sea for most of my life without any particular concerns. Obviously you need to choose your venue with care, if you jump into raging surf or river rapids on your own you're asking for trouble.

Pat

[hound dog]

I know its wrong but I quite often swim alonein the North sea. AZfter checking the tide and wind direction. I usually get in an hour before high tide so at least its on its way in, and my wetsuit making me so much more bouyant.
I find it difficult to hook up with anyone due to work or tidal times or some people thinking its madness even with a buddy.
Anyone in or around Inverness reading this and fancies some OW training, get in touch!!