Spring Ahead into Safe Open Water Swimming

The iSwim4 team has been active in preparing for our spring activities. Jeffrey Rake, Robert Bedford, Sr., and Bill Kuttruff, MBA participated in Red Cross Lifeguarding and First Aid/CPR/AED certification training along with our colleagues from French Creek Racing given by John Shoen of Shoen Safety. This certification allows us to confidently provide a safe swimming environment for our community administering the gold standard in lifesaving aquatic science.

Spring is the perfect time to start thinking about open water swimming. With the warmer weather, the water temperature is gradually rising, making it more comfortable to swim in, especially if you start with a wetsuit. However, before you dive in, it is important to prepare yourself both mentally and physically, and to be aware of the safety risks involved.

Safety is paramount when swimming in open water. Before you head out, make sure you are familiar with the location and any potential hazards. Always swim with a buddy and wear a brightly colored swim cap and a swim buoy. The swim buoy is important because it provides visibility to other swimmers and boats and can also be used as a flotation device if needed.

In addition to being a great form of exercise, open water swimming will alsohave a positive impact on your mental health. Being immersed in nature and feeling the water against your skin can be a calming and meditative experience. It can also be a great way to challenge yourself and push beyond your comfort zone, which can lead to a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem.

As always, feel free to reach out to iSwim4.org for support and guidance. We will be training and providing a sober swimming community in preparation for local summer events in the Philadelphia and Jersey Shore locations. Look for us at French Creek Racing swims, Steelman Racing Open Water Swimming series, Ocean City Masters Swim, Barnegat Light Ocean Mile, Delmo Sports and other events close by. #swimming #iswim4 #soberswimmingcommunity #mentalhealth #connection #bluemind #cleanandsober #recovery #catalinachannel #openwaterswimming #marathonswimming #addiction #safety