Countries across the world are urging their citizens to take care when swimming in the open water after a recent spike in drowning deaths has been recorded in America, Australia and the United Kingdom.

With the majority of pools still closed, more and more people are taking to the sea/ocean to swim, which has led to an increase in reports of people getting intro trouble and needing assistance.

Last week, the body of former WWE professional Shad Gaspard was recovered on Los Angeles’ Venice Beach after he was caught in a rip current that pulled him more than 50 yards out to sea. The tragic incident occured after he went swimming with his 10-year-old son, Aryeh, who was rescued safely by lifeguards.

n 1927, 17-year old Canadian George Young famously won The Wrigley Ocean Marathon across the Catalina Channel sponsored by the chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jnr.  Had Charles ‘Zimmy’ Zibleman won the race, the changes that would have brought about in Marathon and Disability Swimming might well have spilled well beyond the water. Here, a team of marathon devotees looks at why and how.

June 5, 2020 - COVID-19 Announcement - COVID-19 Update: Catalina Channel 2020 Swimming Season Cancelled

The Board of Directors of the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation has decided it is necessary to cancel the 2020 Catalina Channel swimming season.

2020-05-15 - Dover - Further to the government’s latest advice and guidelines the CSA Board can see little possibility of any swims taking place before the beginning of July although much is changing since the lockdown was loosened.

We will continue to monitor the situation, reviewing it again in mid June, looking particularly towards the latter tides in July.

Focus on these things to avoid disaster

Water is perhaps the most powerful force on the planet. It has literally moved mountains, carved valleys, and destroyed civilizations throughout the ages. For swimmers, it’s our element, sure, but it absolutely demands the appropriate level of respect at all times.

Aquatic environments aren’t our primary milieus, and as such, any watery location can turn deadly in an instant. If you’re looking to venture into open water, it’s critical that you understand that Mother Nature always has the upper hand. When selecting a site for open water swimming, choose wisely and steer clear of these three common water hazards.

Rip Currents

When swimming in a coastal location, one of the most common—and potentially deadly—hazards you can encounter are rip currents. Rip currents, also sometimes erroneously referred to as rip tides, are powerful columns of water that can develop perpendicular to beaches. They occur when a sandbar (or other in-water structure) traps water between the beach and itself. That trapped water wants to rush back out to sea and will eventually create a rip across or around the obstacle. Rips can become fast-moving rivers of water that rush directly outward and can easily carry an unsuspecting swimmer well away from shore in a matter of seconds. 

Key safety advice for all open water swimmers has been drawn up by Swim England, British Triathlon and the Royal Life Saving Society UK following the partial lifting of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

The bodies have collaborated to draw up the guidance after the Government announced open water swimming would be possible from Wednesday 13 May.

Mental Health, 'Loony Dookers' and Polar Bears

Here in Scotland, ‘Loony Dookers’ dive into the chilly waters of the Forth Estuary on New Year’s Day, whilst members of the Polar Bear Club in New York take an Atlantic dip. Perhaps you did too? Similar events are held all around the world from Vilnius to Vancouver...

Whilst a few hardy souls have always taken to chilly waters all year round, the niche ‘sport’ of swimming in freezing waters is becoming increasingly popular. But why? It’s hard to fathom unless you are already a believer.

An examination of the mental health benefits of cold water immersion

The COVID-19 crisis continues unabated, and many jurisdictions still have social distancing regulations in place. This is concerning, as considerable research indicates that social activities can foster positive mental health.

As such, individuals may need to engage in innovative activities to reduce stress and promote their own mental health. Two activities which may be particularly suitable to some people are cold swims or cold showers; not ice cold, but in the 16-20 Degree Celsius (60-70F) range—as opposed to the unnaturally warm temperatures of heated swimming pools.