Water safety and open water swimming

Open water swimming

Open water swimming is very different from swimming in a pool.

If you want to swim outdoors, choose a recognised open water swimming group or supervised open water swimming venue.

Never swim somewhere where swimming is prohibited.

Before you swim:

check the weather and water conditions
follow all safety information
make sure you know where you will enter and leave the water
wear appropriate clothing, including a wetsuit where needed
wear a brightly coloured swimming hat
use a tow float to help make yourself visible
know your limits and don't stay in the water longer than you are comfortable with.

Never swim alone.

Even experienced and confident swimmers can get into difficulty in open water.

Read the RNLI open water swimming guide for more information on how to stay safe.

Open water can be extremely cold, even on a warm and sunny day.

Water below 15°C can seriously affect your ability to breathe and move.

Suddenly entering cold water can cause cold water shock. You may gasp, lose control of your breathing and find it difficult to swim.

If you are swimming, enter the water slowly and give your body time to adjust.

Never jump or dive straight into cold or unfamiliar water.

Being a strong swimmer does not protect you from cold water shock.

Water sports centres in and around Lichfield District that offer safe open water swimming: