How to minimise risks on solo swims

While it’s not ideal to swim alone, there are a few things you can do to minimise the risk when there is no other choice. Marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas shares her safety tips.

I confess that one of my most favourite things in all the world is to slip into a clear, cold mountain lake and swim across silky water into the horizon. Depending on what is going on in the world around me, I oftentimes fantasize about swimming and swimming and never needing to return. But a single bolt of lightening or a ski boat buzzing by too closely always seems to pull me back to reality. Enjoying the water is one thing; having a death wish is something different entirely. Despite jokes about someday swimming off into my final horizon, until then, I prefer to enjoy the water safely and wisely.

In an ideal situation, you have several spotters on shore and kayakers in the water to keep an eye on you as you swim. There is power in numbers, so having swim buddies is always the best choice. But, sometimes I find myself embarking on a long training swim (again) and no one can join. While it’s not ideal to swim alone, there are a few things you can do to minimise the risk when there is no other choice.

• Never swim alone in unfamiliar waters. If you’re going to a new place to swim, don’t go in alone. Make sure you know everything there is to know about the body of water you’re daring to enter before you even slip on your swim suit. Understand the risks of your situation and do the best to minimise them. Understand the patterns to currents, tides, boats, other swimmers and wildlife.
• If you’re alone, find a place where others are swimming or recreating. That way even though you’re alone, there are still other humans around to assist in an emergency.
• Avoid boats. Never swim without kayak support in busy boating areas.
• Stick close to shore. Hanging close to the shallows limits your risk of getting blasted by an unsuspecting boater. Also, should something happen, you can quickly exit the water. Nothing wrong with a long walk back to your shoes if you can’t beat the current or a storm arrives!
• Pay attention to the weather. Know what the forecast is and keep an eye on the sky. At my home, afternoon thunderstorms are almost guaranteed in the summer, so make every effort to finish your swim before the lightning strikes.
• If you’re not sure, bringing a tow float or swim buoy is a helpful tool. I love them for longer solo swims where I can stash a feed bottle or two to extend my swim journey.
• Always tell people where you are, how long you will swim, what route you’re planning to take and when you expect to be out of the water. And stick to it. There is no panic like a loved one planning on meeting you at 10am, and you don’t show up until 10:30.

Always plan ahead and have a safety plan in place! Don’t swim beyond your abilities.