Contributed by Guy Davis, Jennifer Downing, Bob Fernald, & Elaine Howley
Happy spring, and we hope you and your families are safe and well. In these disrupted times, our greatest responsibility is to do what we must to minimize the consequences of this public health crisis for the community and especially for vulnerable individuals. But at the same time, we need to find ways of staying sane and healthy in the face of a very uncertain timeline.
As swimmers, most of us are facing pool and gym closures. This reality is hard on many swimmers who find not just physical, but mental health benefits from swimming regularly. We have already seen many creative adaptations to these restrictions with a great deal of information shared online to help redesign and redirect our fitness regimens.
With most (if not all) pools across our LMSC closed for the foreseeable future, it’s not just the open water die-hards who are eagerly waiting for the lakes and ocean to warm up before beginning their regular outdoor training. While swimming in open water is an appealing option in light of the current public health crisis, we want to raise a few points of consideration before you do. This advice is aimed primarily at first-timers who might be looking to try open water swimming as an early-season substitute while our pools remain closed, but open water veterans should also take heed of these important precautions we raise below.
It’s important to remember that social distancing remains a public health imperative. In the southern states, where waters are already warm enough for swimming, throngs of spring breakers led to the closure of many beaches and other open water swimming venues. Currently, this isn’t a big issue in the Northeast because it’s still too cold for most would-be beachgoers and open water swimmers. But closures may well become a reality here as our own weather warms and the pandemic widens. The closure of the L Street Bathhouse in Boston is perhaps a foretaste of future restrictions.
Even with some venues still “open” for open water swimming, these are likely to be “less traveled” and therefore less regulated and potentially less safe. Safety has a more important public health dimension now than ever before—any private actions that lead to unnecessary demands on our overburdened emergency and health services are particularly problematic in these times when our first responders and hospitals are already facing unprecedented pressure. If you get into trouble in open water and need assistance or care, you’re diverting public health resources and emergency responders who are needed to cope with other emergencies. You’re also potentially putting those responders and caregivers at risk, too.
With all this in mind, we thought it might be helpful to share a few broad thoughts and perspectives with our less experienced open water swimming members, or those who might be thinking about trying it for the first time. Should you decide to venture into the open water over the next month or two, please carefully consider all aspects of the public health situation and check out the pointers and resources we’ve provided below.
Disclaimer: The following advice represents the views and expertise of several seasoned open water swimmers and should not be taken as an official recommendation from the NELMSC.
General pointers for Open Water Swimming (OWS) newbies:
Get informed! Please read articles like the ones below and consult with experienced OW swimmers before taking your first plunge. Typically, first timers should only venture out with a group of experienced swimmers who can help guide you. Social distancing makes this a more difficult endeavor, but still, it’s important that you should never swim alone, particularly in very cold water.
Know yourself. Everyone has a different tolerance of cold, and if you are not used to it, you will likely need to acclimate to colder water. Wetsuits of course help a lot with thermal protection, as can gloves, booties, and neoprene hats, but they do not make you immune to the effects of colder water. The lakes and ponds in New England typically warm up faster than the ocean. Walden Pond, a suburban Boston OWS venue, typically reaches temperatures of over 60F (still very cold for most people) in late May. As of March 22, Walden was 44 degrees. Think about whether that’s a reasonable place for you to start your open water journey. For most, it’s not, and it’s best to wait and let the coming warmer temperatures have a chance to work their magic. (For reference, USMS rules allow race directors to permit the use of wetsuits at temperatures below 78F. In elite OWS competition, wetsuits are optional for swimmers at temperatures below 68F and are required at temperatures below 64F (18C). A few very hardy and very experienced open water swimmers train without wetsuits at lower temperatures, but they are well acclimated to cold water swimming.)
Focus on safety, safety, safety. If you choose to swim at this time, it's ultimately YOUR responsibility to ensure your own safety. Open water safety is never something to underestimate, and even more so during this time. You need to take safety very seriously. Learn about OWS best practices before you start.
Know your venue. Every venue is different, and water and air temperatures, currents, and other local conditions vary from venue to venue. Do your homework about the particular location you’ll be visiting, and never stop thinking about safety precautions. Swimming in cold water presents its own set of safety considerations, and you must be prepared to cope with the cold both while in the water and afterwards.
Stay distant. Though it’s never smart to swim alone, during this COVID-19 pandemic, it’s critical that you continue practicing social distancing and avoid sharing gear. This means wetsuits, caps, booties, gloves and especially goggles. (It’s believed the virus can be transmitted via the mucus membranes in the eyes.) Research suggests that the virus can remain active on surfaces for up to three days.
Assume every surface is contaminated. Many health experts are urging us to just assume that every surface we encounter—especially in a public space—is contaminated with the coronavirus. This is not to be alarmist, but rather to get you thinking with a critical eye of all the ways the virus can be transmitted. Therefore, consider where you are leaving your belongings when you go for a swim. Can you reduce your contact with surfaces in public spaces? Avoid sharing communal thermoses, water bottles, or food. And when you go home, be sure to wash and disinfect all your clothing and gear to prevent bringing the virus into your home.
Start slowly and progressively. If you still want to swim in open water, do so cautiously. Stay within your limits and gradually extend your time in the water as your knowledge and experience increases. As mentioned above, never swim alone, and especially when first starting out. Join a more experienced group that can help provide guidance and support from at least 6 feet away!
Please reach out within your swimming circle, or to the wider NELMSC community for advice and resources that could be useful to you. Look out for open water clinics to help you develop your skills and knowledge.
Stay safe and have fun!