Water temperature

Compared to indoor, heated pools, which range in temperature from around 26 to 31 degrees Celsius, you’re likely to be exposed to a much wider range of temperatures when swimming in open water. Water temperature has a huge impact on how well you swim and how long you can safely stay in the water with the Lifeguard course near me.

For the inexperienced, the biggest danger is sudden immersion in water that is significantly colder than they are used to. When this happens, the body’s initial and automatic response to the rapid change in skin temperature is, among other symptoms: a strong inhalation of air, an increase in respiratory rate and an increase in blood pressure.
It usually lasts up to a couple of minutes. For the unwary, such a sudden change in temperature can be deadly, especially if you have an underlying heart condition or hypertension, the sudden change in blood pressure can cause complications. Therefore, you should get into the water slowly and keep your face clear until you get your breathing under control.

Another risk is hypothermia .

This occurs when you experience a drop in core body temperature, which can lead to loss of consciousness and heart failure. The amount of time you can swim in cold water without becoming hypothermic is determined by temperature, your body size and shape, and your experience, among other factors.

Start with swim shorts to find out what your limits are. Always nothing with other people. If your stroke rate decreases or you start to shake, you should get out immediately
When you finish swimming, you should also be careful.

As you get out of the water and the cold blood from your extremities begins to circulate through your body again, it can lower your body temperature, which is why you often start shivering a few minutes after you finish swimming. To minimize the risk, you should immediately change into dry clothing and start with the upper part of your body. It is even advisable to put on a hat and gloves and drink a hot (non-alcoholic) drink.

A wetsuit will not prevent cold water shock or prevent you from becoming hypothermic. However, it will help keep you warmer for much longer, keep you afloat, and in most cases, allow you to swim faster.

Climate

Open water swimming is most appealing on hot, sunny days, but people swim in almost all conditions, and different types of weather come with different risks that you need to be aware of.

In hot climates, there can be a large contrast between air and water temperature that can trap the unwary and is suspected to be the cause of some open water deaths. Therefore, you should always get into the water carefully. Remember that you can easily burn your skin while swimming, so be sure to protect your skin with water-resistant sunscreen.

Strong winds can make swimming conditions difficult. The water can be particularly unstable if the wind is blowing in the opposite direction to the current one. Learning to breathe on both sides can help you better cope with waves and bites.

Also keep in mind that a strong breeze increases the wind chill factor and can cool you down faster than expected. Finally, the wind can make support boats difficult, so events are sometimes cancelled.

Swimming in the rain is not a problem, you are still wet, and it can even be very pleasant to feel the drops on your back and look at the surface of the water.

Be sure to keep your clothes and towel dry for later, and be aware that conditions in some rivers can change quickly when it rains. Heavy rains can wash pollutants from the land into the water and cause storm surges to spill into rivers, so it would be wise to avoid certain rivers during or after heavy rains. You should get out of the water if there is danger of a thunderstorm.

Tides and currents

The range of tides in some parts of Spain is truly amazing, with the water level changing several meters in the course of six hours. This may mean, for example, that part of the beach you walked down to get into the water is now submerged in water.

Therefore, it is essential to pay attention and seek local knowledge when swimming in the sea or in the tidal reaches of any river. The tide also generates currents. If you look at the path of a swimmer, you can see very clearly how far a current can take you in a few hours, and that those currents change direction with the change of the tide.

Also watch out for rip currents in the sea . These are currents that flow into the sea and can carry the unwary away from the beach in a short space of time. Rip currents occur when water from waves crashing on the beach returns to the sea through a narrow channel (for example, a break in a sandbar below the surface).
The current current can be relatively narrow, perhaps only 10 m wide, but too fast to swim. The way to escape is to swim parallel to the shore until you get out of the current and then swim back.

For example, a strong current can push you away from your entry and exit point, and very strong currents can push you into obstacles like overhanging branches or rocks.

Note that the current will flow upstream at times in the tidal sections of rivers and estuaries. If a river is dammed upstream, it may be subject to sudden changes in flow rate if water is released.

Cuts, bruises and breaks

This risk is increased when walking in or out of the water, or if you jump or dive without checking the depth. Sharp stones or broken glass are common hazards.

For this you should always use booties . Pay attention where you put your feet and always look before you jump. Watch out for the waves crashing on the rocks.

Cramps

The cramp occurs when your muscles go into spasm. It can be very painful and disabling. Some people are more prone to it than others, and it seems to be more likely if your muscles are tired, for example if you’ve been running before swimming.

Minimize your risk by learning what triggers your cramps (for example, electrolyte imbalances, sudden changes in rhythm, butterfly swimming). Always swim with other people, so if you are unlucky enough to have a cramp, they can help you. Consider the option of using a buoy or float to rest in an emergency.

Weeds

Being swept away by weeds is a common fear for beginners, but it is extremely unlikely. However, seaweed and other plants can impede your swimming and possibly induce panic , which can lead to drowning.

Keep calm. The algae are not trying to pull you down. In most cases, it can be gently removed. In general, it is preferable to swim in deeper water where there is less risk of coming into contact with algae.

Get stuck in the water

It is not uncommon for people to start swimming and then realize that they cannot get out, for example if they have swum from one place to another without checking their exit point. Always plan your exit before entering the water. Be aware of local conditions and how tides and changes in water level may affect your exit from the water.

Weil’s disease

This disease is very unlikely but it is worth knowing about it. Weil’s disease is the name given to a severe case of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection (caused by bacteria called leptospiral) that is spread by animals and can affect people.

It is particularly associated with rats, but has also been known to be carried by cattle, pigs, foxes, badgers and dogs. It can be spread through contact with soil or water that has been contaminated by the urine of affected animals. That means swimmers are at risk.

There is no reason why people should not participate in freshwater activities such as swimming, sailing, water skiing or windsurfing, but we recommend that people take simple precautions to reduce the risk of infection before engaging in these leisure activities.

Practical steps swimmers can take include minimizing water intake , showering immediately after swimming, and washing hands before eating.

Other waterborne diseases

Every time we get in the water, we run the risk of contracting a parasitic, viral or bacterial infection that commonly causes vomiting and diarrhea . These are generally mild and limited. In the sea, swim at beaches that meet bathing water standards.

In inland waters, you have to rely more on your own judgment and the experience of other swimmers. Avoid swimming in rivers after heavy rains that could wash pollutants or sewage into the water.

Collision / being about to run out

Swimmers are difficult to spot in the water, especially in dim light and in black suits. Rowers, kayakers, motorcyclists, and boat pilots often do not expect to encounter swimmers and may not be particularly aware of them.

A collision will surely be worse for the swimmer. You must be very alert. You should swim where there is less traffic. Wear a swim cap in a bright or fluorescent color. Carry a buoy and a tow float at all times. It is recommended to always swim alongside a kayaker displaying an alpha flag .

jellyfish

Beautiful sea creatures that can give you a nasty sting. Usually painful rather than dangerous, but multiple stings can be debilitating and some people have allergic reactions.

Some sun creams include an anti-jellyfish ingredient, but we haven’t tested it, so we can’t guarantee its effectiveness. The initial pain usually subsides after a few minutes if you continue swimming. Seek medical help if you feel any difficulty breathing .

Sharks

Beautiful, intelligent, endangered, deadly. Very rare on the coast of Spain, but it is not impossible to come across one. In reality, very few shark species are dangerous to people and far more are killed by people than vice versa.