Sweaty hikers are always happy to take a dip in natural water, but swimming longer distances – for exercise or on a swimming trek – is also a great idea in our magnificent and clean waters.
In Finland, 85% of the lakes, 65% of river waters and 25% of coastal waters are in good or excellent condition. This means that in terms of water quality, our water systems primarily offer safe conditions for open water swimming. Official beaches and swimming sites are managed and their water quality is monitored.
When you know how to swim and want to start open water swimming, the first step is to practice in a pool until your swimming technique is quite good. All swimming strokes can be used in open water, but dog paddling, breaststroke and freestyle are the most natural choices because of the waves and visibility. The key elements when swimming in open water are a good and relaxed swimming position, a long glide, flexible breathing rhythm, the ability to swim in a straight line, and navigational skills.
Swimming in open water is very different from being in an indoor or outdoor swimming pool. Slowly adjust to the space and cool temperature of open water, swim in the direction of the shoreline, monitor how you feel, and gradually increase the length of your swim. Swimming in cool water effectively mobilises body fluids and requires more energy than swimming in a pool, so remember to eat enough before swimming and drink well both before and after swimming.
Open water swimmers are exposed to water-related phenomena and weather changes, and often have to take water traffic into consideration. Underwater visibility is rather poor in many cases and wind and waves affect a swimmer’s progress. Beginners should get used to open water by swimming slowly near the shore, looking at the underwater world and touching water plants. The ability to calm yourself is critical for open water swimmers, as becoming alarmed and panicking in the water are dangerous.
It’s a good idea to check the algae status of the water and the weather forecast before swimming. Avoid swimming in designated boat routes and swimming or landing on private beaches. Open water swimmers respect the nesting peace of birds and the prohibition on landing in protected areas. Rinsing out your swimsuit and swimming gear after a swim helps to prevent the spread of invasive species from one body of water to another.
Safety
Safe open water swimming requires good swimming technique, awareness of your fitness level, planning, caution, observation of the environment and weather, and the ability to anticipate.
You should not swim alone in open water. This activity is safer with a friend. Swim with another swimmer or a swimming group. You can also ask someone to row or paddle beside you. A friend waiting on the beach also increases safety ,because they can call for help if necessary.
Once you have become more familiar with open water swimming, you’re likely to start looking for new places to swim. You should be careful when entering water on an unknown shore, and be particularly careful when getting out of the water after swimming. Cool water and waves may negatively impact a swimmer’s sense of balance, and it’s a good idea to get out of the water slowly when your muscles are cool after swimming.
Open water swimmers plan their own routes. There are no official marked open water swimming routes, with the exception of some short track-like sections crated for specific events.
Take your own fitness level and swimming safety into account when planning the route. Avoid designated boat routes and other water traffic areas. In addition to magnificent nature sites, swimmers can also choose cultural landscapes for their routes. It is a good idea to measure the route on a map in advance and also consider places where you can land safely if weather conditions change. It is difficult to estimate distances while in the water, so good advance planning is important. The safest route is close to the shore.
Island hopping – swimming from one islet or island to another – is also fun. A swimrun event involves swimming short sections in open water and then running between them along paths or routes marked in the terrain.
Equipment
Open water swimming can be done without special equipment, but some equipment does improve swimming safety and its use is therefore recommended. Swimming goggles help you see in the water. Special open water swimming goggles have a wide field of view and UV protection. You can use sprays to prevent the goggles from fogging up. A brightly coloured swimming cap makes it easier to see swimmers in the water and also reduces heat loss from the head area.
Many swimmers wear a wet suit when swimming in open water. This prevents heat loss, improves buoyancy and makes swimming easier. Wet suits are already available at an affordable price, and the most important factor when selecting a wet suit is a good fit and suitable thickness. Neoprene caps, gloves and socks help you enjoy swimming in open water when the water is cold or on particularly long swimming routes.
All open water swimmers must carry a safety buoy. This is an inflatable floating bag that is tied to the swimmer’s waist. The buoy is pulled behind the swimmer and is barely noticeable. A safety buoy increases the swimmer’s visibility in the water and also provides a place for the swimmer to rest. A dry bag functions like a safety buoy but, depending on the size of the bag, you can pack a mobile phone, towel, clothes, drinks and a lunch in it. A dry bag allows an open water swimmer to swim longer routes and go on swimming treks.
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