Open Water Swimming Safety Checklist - 2026 Edition

Taking a refreshing morning dip in a serene lake, competing in a sea swim or training for your next triathlon? Open water swimming offers incredible opportunities for both physical and mental improvement. But unlike swimming in a pool, open water presents many challenges, including unpredictable environmental conditions, cooler water and greater dangers. That’s where our updated guide can help. Here are our top open water swimming safety tips for the rest of 2026.

Be Sure To Assess Conditions Before Heading Out

Extreme wind, excessive rain or strong river currents can rapidly transform what may have been a safe and enjoyable swim into a potentially hazardous activity. Do not go ahead with your swim if you are unsure whether the conditions are suitable. Always be sure to check the following conditions before travelling:

• Wind speed and direction
• Air and water temperature
• Current tide times (coastal swims)
• River flow rates and precipitation levels
• Forecast changes in visibility and water quality
• Any local water quality warnings/alerts

Don’t Swim Further Than You Are Capable Of

It is very easy to get a bit overconfident when the water appears calm and temperatures are high, so knowing your limits is crucial. Always choose a distance that suits your level of experience, fitness and the current conditions. Cold water, waves and currents add to your fatigue a lot faster compared to swimming in a pool. If you’re visiting a new location, it’s wise to stay closer to shore for your initial swim until you better understand the strategy for safe swimming in that area.

Let Someone Know What Your Plans Are

One of the simplest and most important open water swimming safety measures is to inform someone of your planned swim. Tell them the location where you will be swimming, the time you estimate you will finish, who you will be swimming with and a time to check in after completing your swim. If a change of circumstances causes you to alter your plans, ensure they are aware of the change as soon as possible.

Take Essential Open Water Swimming Safety Equipment

Taking the correct equipment has a significant impact on your open water swimming safety. Key equipment to bring along includes:

• A coloured swim cap for increased visibility
• A wetsuit
• A changing robe to help you dry off comfortably after getting out
• Drinks and food to provide you with energy during and after swimming
• A tow float for both visibility

Acclimatise Yourself To Cold Water

Regardless of your level of expertise as a swimmer, cold-water shock can seriously affect anybody. When first stepping into the water, enter gradually rather than suddenly immersing yourself, and allow your breathing to regulate properly before starting to swim.

Should you find yourself experiencing uncontrollable shivering, loss of coordination in movement, confusion or otherwise impaired judgement, you need to remove yourself from the water immediately.

We hope that these five key open water swimming safety tips will be useful to you. As always, the Red Equipment team are more than happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have around any of the excellent gear we have available, so please get in touch with us if you need any assistance.