Top tips for overseas swimming events

Simon Griffiths shares some practical tips to help you get the best from your swimming trip abroad and avoid some common mishaps

Has the Olympics inspired you to take on a swimming event in another country? If so, get ready for an adventure. Travelling for overseas events is always a memorable experience. In our April 2024 issue*, Paul Newsome looked at how to perform at your best at an overseas event despite the rigours of travel. Here we share some practical tips to help you get the best from your trip and avoid some common mishaps.

• Check your insurance. Your standard travel insurance may cover you for dipping in the hotel pool or paddling in the sea, but open water racing may be excluded. If so, you will need additional insurance.
• Check the event terms and conditions. Events in some countries ask for a medical certificate or letter from your doctor confirming you are fit enough to do the swim. You may also be asked if you’re a member of your home country’s national governing body for swimming. Sometimes the latter is accepted in lieu of a medical certificate.
• Check the water temperature. You may assume that if you’re going to a warm country, the water will be warm. But that doesn’t always follow. Make sure you prepare for the conditions you’re going to be swimming in (as far as you can) and pack a wetsuit if necessary.
• Try to arrive at least 24 hours ahead of your swim. While this adds to your time away and accommodation costs, it should significantly reduce your stress. It gives you chance to acclimatise to local conditions and find your way around. It also gives you a cushion if you have transport delays.
• Pack your swimming kit in your carry-on luggage. Sadly, hold luggage sometimes goes astray. If you have your swim essentials to hand, you can still at least get your swim. Bring spares too.
• Bring emergency snacks. As well as your event nutrition, it’s worth carrying some emergency snacks in case you struggle to find appropriate pre-swim food. You may even want to carry an emergency pre-swim breakfast. • Pack a personalised first-aid kit. If appropriate, bring spares of any regular medication you need (eg, asthma inhalers) and include things like antibite cream, insect repellent, disinfectant for minor cuts etc.
• Include something you can give as a gift. One of the pleasures of doing overseas events is meeting other swimmers. It’s good to have something you can leave as a parting memento – such as a swim cap from your local club or favourite UK event, or even a copy of Outdoor Swimmer magazine.

Lead photo: © UltraSwim 33.3

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