Questions tagged [swimming]

Questions related to Swimming as an outdoor activity (lesser as a Sports), safety precautions and techniques about swimming, questions related costumes (not the product recommendation ones) are to be used with this tag.

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24 votes
6 answers
10k views

Cold water swimming - go in quickly? or slowly?

Assume you want to do some cold water swimming, i.e. anything under 14 Centigrade (57F) water, for more than say 10 minutes (so, expressly, not a Polar Bear "dip and scoot"). What's the ...
Italian Philosophers 4 Monica's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
184 views

Can I swim in a natural monument in Bavaria, Germany?

I passed by the pretty Kaltengrundsee in Bavaria (Germany) and it looks inviting to take a dip when the weather is hot. There's even a platform to get in or out of the water. Source: Wikimedia ...
gerrit's user avatar
  • 27.1k
2 votes
1 answer
99 views

How to cross a river while keeping kit (such as laptop) dry

I am in the Balkans and have befriended a refugee who intends to crossing a river as part of their route. They are a very strong swimmer, having practiced it at a competitive level. They want to take ...
novice's user avatar
  • 261
0 votes
1 answer
118 views

How much UV radiation does one receive under water?

More precisely: assume one measures X mW/cm² for wavelength Y nm at the water level 0 (sea level). What's the mW/cm² for the same wavelength Y nm at water level Z? I'm most interested in UV-A and UV-B ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
272 views

When cave diving, if one sees an air pocket, how can one know whether the air is safe to breathe?

While cave diving, one may see air pockets. How can one know whether the air is safe to breathe?
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
186 views

Where do I keep my pull buoy during a long open-water swim?

I am going to start to do long sea swimming to train for swim run races. I have the tools but I would like to know where I keep the pull buoy if I don't want to use it and if I want to use my legs ...
Clod's user avatar
  • 31
1 vote
1 answer
133 views

What's the best way to train oneself to swim in open waters?

Considering that one is a very novice swimmer, it's challenging to even do sporting activities in the water without a life jacket. I'm looking for ways one can build more resilience and stamina with ...
Krish Munot's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
178 views

Swimming with scuba diving egg?

I was using a 'waterproof' pouch bag to store my keys and documents while swimming. Well, it was waterproof until because of wear (after a few uses) I've got a small punctation in the edge, and ...
Danubian Sailor's user avatar
41 votes
9 answers
10k views

Can a kid ever dive too deep while snorkeling and breath-hold diving?

My son has recently discovered snorkeling and diving (by holding his breath, not scuba diving or anything). He can go at least 4m (13 feet) deep to pick up nice shells he sees on the sea floor. My ...
Ivana's user avatar
  • 823
5 votes
3 answers
202 views

Can a floating foam pad be used as a cottage swim platform?

At Ontario cottages, it's normal to see a small floating wooden dock tethered a little distance from shore to use as a "swim platform". Kids swim over to it, then can jump in and splash and ...
Kate Gregory's user avatar
  • 12.1k
2 votes
3 answers
272 views

Extending SUP leash for swimming

I'd like to swim a bit to cool down when SUPing, but I've been already in an awkward situation when I've underestimated wind - the board was quite away from me after a while and I've got to swim fast ...
Danubian Sailor's user avatar
12 votes
2 answers
361 views

What is the best way to swim through ocean surf?

What stroke should I use and what adjustments would I make to most efficiently swim through rough ocean and breaking waves?
user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
129 views

The most effective swimming technique in SUP dry suit?

If I fell into water in my SUP dry suit and I need to catch my board, or swim to the coast, which technique is the most effective? I've found it very hard to crawl because of the buoyancy of the suit. ...
Danubian Sailor's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
107 views

The thickest neoprene suit for swimming?

What is the thickest available neoprene suit appropriate for swimming? I have a swim suit marked 2/3/4 mm. I don't know which is where, but it was OK as long as the water was about 15 grad, and below ...
Danubian Sailor's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
390 views

Flashlight for night open water swimming

My swimming season ended for me when it's dark before I manage to get out of work, eat something and get to the beach. I'd like to continue swimming, but I want to see where I swim and be seen. What ...
Danubian Sailor's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

Must people shower after swimming in a lake?

When going swimming in a lake, is there any danger in not showering after? Generally I would shower if there were a lot of other people swimming and the lake was small. And if there was run-off from ...
Ivana's user avatar
  • 823
4 votes
1 answer
115 views

In a river with light traffic, while swimming its length, how to be better seen by boats?

I try to look forward and flip to my back to look backward every five or so strokes, but my goggles eventually fog up. It's hard to see boats unless I'm constantly stopping to clean out my goggles. ...
adamaero's user avatar
  • 141
0 votes
0 answers
76 views

How good swimmer does one need to swim across the Saltstraumen? [duplicate]

I have just read a story from Facebook from someone who has just swum across the Saltstraumen. How good swimmer does one need to be in order to make it across in time?
Michael Tsang's user avatar
2 votes
5 answers
14k views

How dangerous is it to swim in the Amazon river?

I have a long term dream of visiting the Amazon rainforest. I have been trying to determine how dangerous it is to swim in the Amazon river. I realise it is a large river, with various side channels - ...
Martin C.'s user avatar
  • 131
6 votes
3 answers
508 views

In case of a tsunami, would swimming out to sea be an escape strategy?

Several times I have been in locations where tsunami risks are either actively signaled or self-evident. Lima where I am right now has long beaches dominated by cliffs with exit routes about every km....
Italian Philosophers 4 Monica's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
322 views

Male swimming attire that can be worn under clothing

(Use case: A hike to heated waters--hiking with only swimwear for lower attire is not an option.) I find most swimwear is not exactly suitable for wearing under clothing, speedos would work but I'm ...
Loren Pechtel's user avatar
20 votes
4 answers
7k views

Surfacing out of a sunken ship/submarine - Survival Tips

Here is a scary scenario: Let's say you were in a ship or submarine that sunk to the bottom of the ocean. No scuba gear, no oxygen tank, nothing. The depth of the ocean is such that nitrogen ...
mph85's user avatar
  • 781
2 votes
1 answer
287 views

Could a lamprey attack a swimmer in coastal waters around the UK?

I have seen two articles about bloodsucking lampreys in UK rivers, which warn swimmers about the risks of lamprey attacks when swimming in rivers and lakes. Our river lamprey spend their adult lives ...
Angela Pretorius's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
242 views

What is the proper way to use a sauna? [closed]

I thought that, according to what I've read from the web, people alternate between sauna and swimming. I tried to do that but people thought that I was in trouble. I posted the whole experience to a ...
Michael Tsang's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

What feeling should I expect when swimming in 5°C (41°F) water?

I will have a trip by the end of this month to a northern country to "escape the heat" where I live in, and I would definitely want to do some swimming at some best beaches there. The expected water ...
Michael Tsang's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
273 views

Open water swimming, apnea or regular wet suit?

As I scuba dive a lot I tend to see a lot of people swimming in open water, some seem to choose to have a regular wetsuit, and some seem to use an apnea wetsuit. Fresh or salt water, I've seen a mix ...
Aravona's user avatar
  • 15.4k
27 votes
5 answers
4k views

How to transport personal belongings while swimming long distance?

What is common way how to transport personal belongings while swimming? I am talking about scenario when I need to cross a lake by swimming. I would like to take my stuff (wallet, cell phone, shorts, ...
matousc's user avatar
  • 471
5 votes
4 answers
8k views

How dangerous is swimming fully dressed in cotton/denim clothes?

There is a recent question What material is a good alternative to neoprene? one of the comments to an answer says: whole suit filled up with water I might be taking it out of context, but as I ...
James Jenkins's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
313 views

Is it harder to exhale while swimming in open water?

I do laps at the pool quite often and when I do front crawl I breathe out with my face in the water. I tried to do the same at a lake (it was quite warm actually but choppy conditions) but found it ...
Jim W's user avatar
  • 191
61 votes
15 answers
33k views

How can I take keys with me while swimming?

I was recently crossing a lake that is commonly used for swimming and recreation. When I was swimming back to the shore, I was constantly nervous that my bag would be stolen, along with the keys in it....
Bruder Lustig's user avatar
80 votes
10 answers
26k views

What's wrong with swimming out far?

I swim decently - no pro but I can do a couple of km, resting once in awhile. Many times, both in day and night, in the warm, summer, Mediterranean sea, friends have cautioned me to "not swim so far ...
Ken - Enough about Monica's user avatar
52 votes
7 answers
17k views

How to safely rescue someone drowning as an untrained bystander?

Motivated by a comment thread in this question here. As far as I know the consensus basically boils down to: It is very hard rescuing someone who is drowning. It can be very dangerous rescuing a ...
fgysin's user avatar
  • 12.6k
58 votes
10 answers
25k views

How does water depth affect swimming safety? Why do signs, especially in the UK, say "DANGER: deep water"?

In many UK lakes, I see signs prohibiting swimming with the explanation DANGER: Deep water. This link contains an example. I don't understand those signs. Why is a 30 metre deep lake more dangerous ...
gerrit's user avatar
  • 27.1k
9 votes
2 answers
591 views

Where can I take a dip?

It's rather warm outside (32.6°C or 91 F) and I'd like to go for a swim. Having lived in The Netherlands and Sweden, I'm used to living near lakes and the fact that any surface water is by default ...
gerrit's user avatar
  • 27.1k
13 votes
2 answers
565 views

Swimming in a river in England or Wales with a right of navigation

Some of the rivers in England and Wales are designated as having a "Right of Navigation". I understand that this is typically interpreted as meaning that you can travel along it in a boat or vessel. I'...
CaptainProg's user avatar
8 votes
4 answers
2k views

Dangers of swimming with algae (potentially Eurasian Watermilfoil)

I took my first lake swim recently and found my lake has a fair amount algae, which bothered me more than I expected it too. After some limited research, I found someone saying that it's Eurasian ...
Preston's user avatar
  • 189
4 votes
1 answer
529 views

Which color of these Swim Goggles would be easiest to spot in/ on warm coastal ocean water?

Which color of these Swim Goggles would be easiest to spot in/ on warm coastal ocean water? Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles PS: This is not a shopping question (I'm already planning to buy, just ...
Alex S's user avatar
  • 368
14 votes
4 answers
2k views

How to get out through surf in fins?

I got myself some short fins since as a fairly weak swimmer especially in my legs I wanted a bit more confidence and power when swimming in the sea. However one basic problem I've encountered - how ...
Mr. Boy's user avatar
  • 631
16 votes
4 answers
6k views

Technique for swimming with fins?

I recently bought some fins... Short, much stiffer than some fins used by divers these are more aimed at surfing. I can feel they make me faster but am struggling with technique. I feel I'm fighting ...
Mr. Boy's user avatar
  • 631
7 votes
1 answer
202 views

Do jellyfish actively avoid swimmers in Mediterranean?

I swam in Mediterranean in Italy quite often. There often were white (not spectacular looking) jellyfish around - and quite a lot of them. I tried not to touch them because I was afraid to get burned (...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.5k
19 votes
2 answers
2k views

Swimming while in the high seas

When sailing, can the passengers of the yacht safely go swimming while in the open seas? That is, when some miles away from the coast-line.
Pierre B's user avatar
  • 493
8 votes
2 answers
2k views

Feeling sick after doing the crawl

I've been "swimming" once in a while for years, while on vacation for example, and never had a problem. Recently I've been learning the crawl (freestyle). I've finally got myself up to 20 meters or ...
Ken - Enough about Monica's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
283 views

Can you use a pull buoy in tidal water easily?

Ok so I'm getting a pull buoy to help with my pull exercises when swimming (and a kickboard for the same with kick exercises) and I want to know if I were to go to a lake or the sea and swim, is it ...
Aravona's user avatar
  • 15.4k
4 votes
1 answer
347 views

How to react to a shark attack

There was this story around Mick Fanning this year. He was attacked by a shark in a surfing tournament. In 2015, Fanning survived an encounter with what is suspected to be a great white shark ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.5k
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

Avoid swimming into climbing plants/creepers

As far as I know there is a danger of swimming into "climbing plants/creebers" in lakes. This can bring you in an extremely dangerous situation where you tangle up more and more cause you panic. Am ...
OddDeer's user avatar
  • 23.5k
14 votes
1 answer
35k views

What's that stinging feeling when I swim in the sea?

When I swim in the sea around Singapore, I get stinging/prickling/electric sensations on my skin in certain areas of the water sometimes. There aren't any visible creatures nearby. What are these? ...
Andrew Tan's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
166 views

Plus size wet suits?

I know its rather ironic but I'm a big guy that enjoys open water swimming. I'd like to do more of it in order to help myself with my waistline. I swim in the Pacific so I need a wetsuit. I'm looking ...
Unknown Coder's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
67 views

What is the best strategy to survive in water? [duplicate]

Imagine, you are shipwrecked in a warm lake (drinkable water) with 25°C water temperature and without lifeboat or anything, plain naked. You have to wait to be rescued and have to pace yourself. So ...
rubo77's user avatar
  • 141
12 votes
2 answers
3k views

Advice on wild swimming in Ontario, Canada

I am pretty much a newbie when it comes to wild swimming, or swimming in rivers and lakes having only went once or twice. However, I'm an avid swimmer and have participated in several swimming ...
mding5692's user avatar
  • 223
11 votes
2 answers
2k views

How do I make sure my cliff-diving location is safe?

I like cliff-diving, but I am always scared that there might be a rock hidden in the water. If it is a popular spot, then I just trust that someone has already done the work, but what if I am going ...
That One Actor's user avatar