Open water swimming is a nature exercise where you can find the right level of challenges and great nature experiences for every swimmer. A sweaty hiker likes to take a dip in the natural water, but in our wonderful and clean waters it is also worth swimming longer distances, ie exercising and swimming with lifeguard training near me.



85% of Finland's lakes, 65% of river waters and 25% of coastal waters are in good or excellent condition. In terms of water quality, our water bodies therefore provide mainly safe conditions for open water swimming. Official beaches and bathing areas are managed and their water quality is monitored. 

When you are a swimmer and want to start open water swimming, first practice your swimming technique in the pool to a reasonable degree. You can swim in open water in all swimming styles, but the most natural due to the waves and visibility is to swim frog, breaststroke and freestyle. In swimming technology, a good and relaxed swimming position, a long slide, a flexible breathing rhythm, and direct swimming and navigation skills are essential in open water with American lifeguard Association Vienna Va.

Swimming in open water is very different from swimming in a swimming pool and in an indoor swimming pool. Get used to the open space and coolness gradually, swim along the beach, observe your own state of mind and increase the length of your swimming trip moderately. Swimming in cool water effectively mobilizes body fluids and consumes more energy than pool swimming, so be sure to eat appropriately before swimming and drink well before and after swimming. 



The open water swimmer is exposed to water phenomena and weather changes, as well as often to waterborne traffic. Visibility underwater is often poor, and wind and waves affect a swimmer’s progression. A beginner should get used to open water by swimming slowly in the coastal water, watching the underwater world and touching aquatic plants. The skill of calming yourself is an absolute must for an open water swimmer, as panic and panic in the water is dangerous.  

It is a good idea to check the algae status of the bathing water and the weather forecast before swimming. Avoid swimming on boat routes, as well as swimming and landing on private beaches. The open-water swimmer respects the nesting peace of birds and the ban on landing in protected areas. By rinsing the swimsuit and swimming gear after swimming, we avoid the spread of alien species from one water to another. 

Safety

Safe open water swimming requires a swimmer to have good swimming techniques, to know their own condition, to plan, to be careful, to observe the environment and the weather, and to be able to anticipate.

 It is not advisable to swim alone in open water. It's safer with a friend. Swim with a swim-friendly friend or hobby group. Or ask someone to row or paddle by your side. The guy waiting on the beach also creates security because he can call for help if needed. 

As open water swimming becomes more familiar, the swimmer will be happy to start looking for new scenery for swimming. Going into the water on an unfamiliar beach should be done with care, and you should be especially careful when swimming out of the water after swimming. Cool water and surfing can impair a swimmer’s sense of balance, and even when the muscles are cool after swimming, it’s a good idea to go ashore calmly.

The open water swimmer plans his route himself. There are no official marked open water swimming routes, except for some short course or event sections. 

Routes are planned with your own condition and swimming safety in mind. Boat routes and areas for other waterborne users should be avoided. In addition to wonderful nature attractions, the swimmer can also choose cultural landscapes for his routes. It is a good idea to measure the route on the map in advance and also think about places where you can land safely when the weather changes. Estimating distances from the water during swimming is difficult, so good advance planning is important. The safest route is near the beach. 

Island jumping, ie swimming from islet to islet and from island to island, is fun. In Swim run, you swim short stages in open water and run between them on paths or marked terrain.  

Equipment

Open water swimming can be practiced without special equipment, but the equipment improves swimming safety, so their use is therefore recommended. Swimming goggles help to see in the water. Special open-water swimming goggles have a wide field of view and UV protection. The fogging of the swimming goggles can be prevented with sprays. The brightly colored swimming cap helps the swimmer to detect the water and also reduces the evaporation of heat from the head area.