Open water swimming safety: event safety standards and how to train safely

Every UltraSwim 33.3 stage operates under a comprehensive safety framework, developed over years of multi-day open water event management.We take pride in our safety protocols and the 'wrap around' care they provide. From the start signal to the finish line your swim is supported by a flotilla of kayaks, and overseen by patrolling safety boats throughout the course. Using state-of-the-art swimmer tracking, live weather data monitoring, and dynamic safety asset management, you can swim knowing that we've got your back! Our safety crew is trained to assist any swimmer needing support, help, or in distress, and if you want to get out for any reason, we'll ensure you can do so swiftly and safely.

The safety standards at an UltraSwim 33.3 event are exceptional, but the months of open water training you do beforehand require your own 'safety first' approach. Our preparation programme includes a comprehensive open water safety module covering how to manage cold water shock, what to do if you get into difficulty during a training swim, how to read conditions and when not to get in the water, and the non negotiable rules about never swimming alone in open water. Understanding these principles before your first long training swim is just as important as understanding your nutrition strategy or your training plan.

Here are some of our tips for open water swimming:

• Never swim alone, take a buddy or a kayak, or have someone watching from land with the means to phone for assistance or rescue you if required
• If you are on a beach, tell the lifeguard the route you plan to swim, and how long you expect to be in the water
• Always use a high visibility tow float and a brightly coloured swim hat
• Take an easily accessible emergency whistle to attract attention in an emergency
• Share a clear distress signal with your buddy or kayaker (e.g., waving your hands above your head) so they can identify if you are in difficulty
• Understand the medical conditions associated with open water swimming, e.g., cold water shock and SIPE.
• Read the water conditions accurately, including tides, known/visible rip currents, wind and other likely/expected weather conditions