How to Choose the Best Open Water Swimming Gear

Open water swimming can be a very productive and freeing experience. The pull of open water is a fantastic way to experience more resistance and an effective workout. You'll be able to connect with nature, work in ample free space, and challenge yourself mentally and physically.

If it's your first time in open water, you should go with a friend and swim in a body of water you're familiar with. Always check out the tides and the expected weather before swimming, and be aware of how long you want to be out there. Open water swimming is an excellent place to set new goals and see personal growth, as long as you're safe and using the proper equipment.

What Is Your Open Water Experience?

If you're just starting with open water swimming, you'll need to first think about your safety and comfort. You should feel confident about diving in and remain calm and comfortable in the water. Investing in open water swimming safety equipment is a must. You want to ensure you're visible to other swimmers and boaters and that you can safely stay warm and afloat. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, every swimmer needs to be fully prepared to enter the water.

A wetsuit is excellent cold water swimming gear that will help keep you afloat and trap water near your body to stay warm. The foam in a wet suit lets water seep in and traps it there. Your body will naturally warm this water, and you will stay warm as a result. Many seasoned swimmers decide not to wear wetsuits, but beginners can benefit from the additional support.

Wearing a bright-colored swim cap will help alert anyone near you of your location. Your cap will help keep boaters and other swimmers out of your path and help lifeguards or other people find you in an emergency.

Another piece of safety equipment you need is a pull buoy. These devices will add another layer of visual protection for those around you, and they will provide a safe way to rest in the water. If you find that your legs or arms are getting tired, you can use the buoy to float for a while. You can also carry personal items inside them and protect them from the elements.

What Are Your Goals for Open Water Swimming?

Determining the equipment you need will depend on your ultimate goals. You don't want to carry any additional weight you don't need.

If you're looking to become a pro at swimming in open water, your equipment will be items to keep you safe and warm. Aside from your wetsuit and swim cap, you may also want to invest in a pair of gloves, booties, or a hood to keep you as warm as possible.

Swimmers who want freedom of movement and focus on staying afloat for the entire duration could wear sleeveless quality training swimwear one-piece suits or two-piece sets.

Athletes preparing for an event such as a triathlon or other race should look for a wetsuit that is easy to take off and put on. Because you'll be strapped for time in the event, you'll want to find a suit you can easily manage. You could also decide to wear a tech suit that will help you propel through the water faster.

Open Water Swim Gear

Whether you're looking to swim in the ocean or across a small bay, your equipment can make or break your experience. While trying new things is great, you should avoid attempting anything complicated or risky your first few times in the water. If you're planning to perform regular open water swims, you'll have plenty of opportunities to attempt new strokes and techniques, so don't rush into anything too quickly.

Open water swim gear you'll need includes:

• Swimwear: Of course, the first thing you need to plan is your swimwear. Whether you intend to wear a wet suit, tech suit, or training suit, you need to find pieces to help your performance. You might love the look of your fashion pieces, but finding quality fitness gear is essential for a productive open water session.
• Swim cap: Your cap will let others know your location and also protect your hair and head from the water, dirt, salt, and anything else that might be floating in the water.
• Goggles: Goggles are an essential tool for swimmers. Aside from keeping dirt, water, and salt from irritating your eyes, they also help you see clearly. Anti-fog goggles will give you a clear line of vision, and you can continue to swim rather than treading water to clear them out.
• Floating fins: Beginner swimmers in open water can benefit from using floating swim fins. Many floating fins work in fresh and saltwater, so you can take them with you whether you're going to a backyard pond or the expansive ocean. They help you stay on top of the water and work to develop your technique and muscle further.
• Neoprene swim boots: To wear under your fins, these swim boots are soft and comfortable and have a reinforced ankle. They help prevent blisters and skin irritation and act as a cozy layer between your feet and fins.
• Hand paddles: Similar to the floating fins, hand paddles increase your stroke performance. You can work your upper body when using hand paddles, and they're great for refining your technique. Hand paddles allow you to feel the resistance of the water better, so you know if you have your hand positioned correctly.
• Quality sunscreen: Because you'll be outside when you swim, you'll want to ensure you use quality sunscreen. You can still get sunburns, even when submerged in water. Applying sunscreen to your face and body will help protect you from harmful UV rays from the sun. Even if the sun hides behind the clouds, lather up before stepping outside.
• A friend: Although not a piece of equipment or gear, swimming with a friend, family member, or teammate is a great idea. You can be safer when you have someone swimming beside you, and you can hold each other accountable for your routines and workouts. Whether you're about to go out for the first time or a routine daily swim, you should always swim with a buddy in open water.

Your primary concern should be staying safe when swimming in open water. Avoid bringing anything that can weigh you down during your session. A little extra weight might sound like you'll get more out of your workout, but this is not a good idea. If you experience fatigue, that excess weight will hinder your body and safety. Make sure you have all the equipment you need without carrying any additional pieces.

Shop Open Water Swimming Equipment From Kiefer

Kiefer has the experience and knowledge you want from a trusted swim company. Our company started with Olympic swimmer and gold medalist Adolph Kiefer, and we've been around for over 70 years. With swimwear and gear from top brands, we know we have the equipment you need to have successful swim sessions in open water.

We encourage you to push your boundaries and find the best way to challenge yourself because that's what we do, too. We're constantly reinventing the way we swim, and our gear and swimwear will help you do the same. Get all of your high-quality swim gear from Kiefer.

Learn More About Choosing Swim Gear: 

• How to Choose Swim Fins
• How to Choose a Swim Cap
• How to Choose the Right Swim Goggles

1. Practice!

Get some real experience first. I’ve personally guarded open water swims and the most rescues occur within yards of the entry point. Don’t expect everything to go swimmingly on your first race without any practice towards it. Swim in lakes or the ocean prior to competing. It will help your confidence and alleviate fears that can weigh you down.

2. Relax

Don’t let your anxiety get the better of you. The last place you want to feel fear or panic is in the water. Keep your stroke long and your breathing even. Swim your race and no one else’s.

3. Buoys

In large crowds or smaller groups, a brightly colored bouy attached to you by a belt is an alert to boaters or other water enthusiasts to be aware of the swimmers. Their bright colors make them easy to spot and some of our own Kiefer SaferSwimmer Buoys have storage compartments.

4. Don’t Swim Alone

It’s just not a good plan. Always have a buddy. Even experienced or even elite swimmers can have an unexpected problem.

5. Hydrate/Fuel

Make sure your body is ready to work, hydrate up before you hit the water and make sure there is something of substance in your body to help you.

6. Sunscreen

Wear sunscreen. No excuses.

7. Vaseline/Body Glide

Use the gel to prevent blisters and uncomfortable chaffing from friction between your skin and your suit. If you are swimming in the ocean you don’t want that raw skin getting irritated further by salt water.  Note: If you are wearing a wetsuit made of neoprene Vaseline will eventually cause it to decompose.

8. Bad weather

Be wary of storms, especially when swimming in the ocean. A quick change in the winds could have you battling some scary waves. Lightning as well. If there is call for lightning best to avoid large bodies of water.

9. Currents

They can sneak up on you. First step is don’t panic, second step is don’t fight it. Let the current carry you until it weakens enough for you to get free and back on track.

10. Warm up

Jog first, do some light stretching and dry land activities, but don’t jump in the water and push the ‘go fast’ button right away. Let your muscles get ready for the work and prepare them properly.

11. Goggles

The last thing you want to do is stop and fiddle with your goggles. I suggest layering them under your cap for extra security.

12. Sighting

Practice siting in advance so you can minimize the number of times you have to check where you are during a race. Get proficient at picking a spot and swimming a straight line without having to follow a line on the bottom of the pool.

If you plan on going open water swimming, be sure to check out our SaferSwimmer™ Buoy: a brightly colored, lightweight, inflatable device with waist belt that visibly floats behind a swimmer in open bodies of water, making the swimmer more visible to lifeguards, boaters and other open water vehicles.

Have you ever swam in open water? Pond, lake, or ocean? No. join in on the fun, here are some reasons to give it a try and join the rest of us who absolutely love it.

• No Black Lines

The monotony of going back and forth, back and forth is completely eliminated! During an open water swim there is no black line glaring back at you, taunting you. It's just you and that wide open space, be it a lake or ocean!

• Setting

Being surrounded by nature and not a pool deck is a definite perk. Sure your coach still might be pushing you on from the edge of a boat instead of the edge of a pool, but changing it up is always a good thing for sanity.

• Contact Sport?

For those of you who are uber competitive and are a little more 'hands on' welcome to football in the water. Just kidding. But seriously you can expect some contact during an open water swim, unless you are out there doing your own thing solo. At the beginning of an open water swim, getting out of the pack can be tricky and is a huge part of strategy.

• Strategy

Open water swimming events are more like a game than traditional swimming events. There is plotting to do and plans to initiate. Not always diabolical ones but this type of competition includes much game play.

• Bonding

Go with friends, make it an active part of your lifestyle. Swimming can be like going for a run or a hike, you just have to try it. Plan for a shoreline picnic after or a lunch at a local mom and pop restaurant. Get your vitamin D, exercise, and social exposure all at once!

Sure sounds great, right!? I think you will enjoy it if you give it a try. And if you are already an open water swimmer, pass the word along... ask a friend or make a new friend and ask them to join you. Share the happiness that is open water swimming.

Learn More About Open Water Swimming:

• Open Water Swim Training Safety
• Safer Swimmer Open Water Swimming Buoy
• Open Water Swimming Safety Tips For Everyone

The Kiefer Safer Swimmer Open Water Swim Buoy is a vital training and safety device for anyone who enjoys swimming in open water or triathlons.

3 Main Benefits Of Swimming With Safer Swimmer

1. Excellent Swimmer Visibility

The Dayglo Orange Safer Swimmer buoy raises your profile to others, making you more visible to boaters, jetskiers, and anyone else who could use a reminder that open water swimmers are in the surrounding waters.

2. Helpful Swimming Flotation

Safer Swimmer provides flotation as needed. This is especially handy for taking a break from a long swim, working through swim cramps, fatigue, dizziness, and any other swimming injury or malady.

Although Safer Swimmer isn't a rescue device, it could be used to offer reassurance, or even to assist the rescue of a distressed or less-confident swimmer.

To serve as a resting aid or makeshift rescue device, the Safer Swimmer is outfitted with a blue handle to provide a secure and confident grip.

3. Dry Storage

Don't worry about leaving your valuables and gear behind on the beach, Safer Swimmer's dry pocket allows you to keep them safely within reach during your swim.

Why Safer Swimmer Is Great For Open Water Swimming

No more hiding your car keys and wallet!

Because Safer Swimmer has a dry pocket, you can safely take your gear with you and avoid having to worry about hiding your wallet and keys on shore while you put in a long swim.

It's perfect for point to point swimming!

Point to point swimming adds a refreshing dimension to longer swims, removing the need for the same old 'out and back' workout.  The ability to transport shoes during your distance swimming makes point to point swim training less painful, since you can keep a dry pair of shoes in your Safer Swimmer for a pleasurable return run (or walk) to your starting point. No more barefoot walk of shame!

Packing shoes is particularly handy for me during 70.3 Ironman training, since my neighboring Silver Lake in Wisconsin is almost exactly 1.2 miles across. After my one way swim, I bust out my shoes, deflate and roll up my Safer Swimmer for easy carrying, and run back to my car in comfort and style (running in a jammer isn't so bad).

Safer Swimmer is great for group swims.

Group swimming is a great way to add more fun to open water swim training.

Safer Swimmer allows coaches or swim leaders to pack things that swimmers and triathletes may lose or need during a swim (extra goggles, extra swim cap, Gu or other nutritionals, and hydration).

Because Safer Swimmer is so easy to see, it's a great way to keep visual tabs on swimmers within your group, especially during wavy conditions.

How Does Safer Swimmer Look / Work In The Water?

It looks great and is extremely high- visibility. It's buoyancy and lightweight body make appear to make it float on the surface of the water.

Check out this Safer Swimmer Video I made (please pardon the shaky-cam).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf_cE7u5NJU

Frequently Asked Questions For Skeptics

I understand skepticism. Why do you want to complicate your life with another worldly device? Trust me, if you're swimming in open water, for any reason, you need Safer Swimmer.

Is Safer Swimmer cumbersome or annoying to use?

No, it isn't. Stacey Kiefer and I have tested Safer Swimmer and continue to use it for open water and triathlon swim training. The Safer Swimmer belt attaches quickly and easily around a swimmer's waist, allowing one to effortlessly tow a lightweight, yet resilient swim buoy behind them during training.

Won't Safer Swimmer interfere with my stroke or kicking?

Absolutely not. The buoy leash length can be tailored to precisely place Safer Swimmer between your butt and your feet, allowing you to kick without contacting the buoy.

I'm a Triathlete; why do I need "open water" swim gear?

Unless you rock indoor triathlons exclusively (hopefully not), training for the swim leg of a triathlon is open water swimming! Also, you can float your precious waterproof Garmin on Safer Swimmer and be far more likely to take accurate GPS readings! Looking for more advice to help your open water swimming and triathlon training?

Check out these articles:

• 10 Quick Tips For Swim Sighting
• Open Water Swim Training Safety

Let me know how your training goes- and about any tips and tricks that work for you.

See you at the pool (and lake, ocean, river, puddle),

-Robin Spencer Kiefer

Learn More About Open Water Swimming:

• Open Water Swim Training Safety
• Open Water Swimming Safety Tips For Everyone
• Why We Love Open Water Swimming

It Could Happen To Anyone - Even "Big, Hard Heroes"

A few weeks ago, I wrote how Stacey Kiefer and I become accidental lifeguards, saving a distressed boater from drowning. I suspect many swimmers out there have also been able to help others escape near-drowning situations - thanks for all you do!

Last night Stacey and I watched the film "127 Hours", the incredible true story of Aron Ralston, an adventurer forced to severe his arm to escape certain death during a solo canyoning hike gone wrong. During the film, Ralston realizes he failed to tell anyone about his hiking destination (preventing any rescue efforts) due to his conceit from being a "big, hard hero."

This really resonated with me. Getting in serious trouble can happen to anyone - and it happened to me.

Taking Water And Life For Granted

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="121"] Robin Kiefer, Age 6[/caption]

In Kiefer family culture, survival swimming isn't discussed because its a foregone conclusion. All Kiefers swim and we don't wear life vests in open water.

I learned to swim when I was 2 - and many would argue that my speed never increased since then.

In any case, I was raised to be fearless in water.

Perhaps that's how I found myself body surfing alone at Gillson beach in Wilmette, Illinois at the ripe old age of 6.

Surf's Up & I'm Down

I'd heard my father, Jack Kiefer, talk about body surfing before. He told me that big waves made for the best body surfing.

So one wavy summer day, I managed to slip away undetected from a large family picnic at Gillson park, to chase big waves at the beach.

The lake was warm and wavy, and I quickly learned to take advantage of the large and long breaking waves that rolled into the beach. The liberating feeling of swimming without parents and the thrill of body surfing were a potent combination. I repeatedly rode waves to shore and headed back out to deeper water for more entertainment.

Don't Try This At Home - Or Anywhere Else!

[caption id="attachment_737" align="alignleft" width="165"] Gillson Beach[/caption]

It didn't take long for me to grow tired frolicking in the heavy surf, and I began to struggle in the larger waves that formed as I drifted to new areas of the beachfront.

A large breaking wave pushed me deep underwater. I fought my way to the surface just as another huge way smashed down, driving me to the depths below again, and again.

I struggled, panicked, and blacked out.

The Lifeguard - My Savior

I regained consciousness, opened my eyes, and stared up into the face of my rescuer, a comparatively giant female guard with blond hair - wearing a bright red lifeguard swimsuit.

She carried me to shore and deposited me directly into the arms of my horrified father, who had just arrived at the scene with my mother.

Needless to say, I was done swimming for the day.

The Most Important Swim Lesson

I never got the name of the lifeguard that day. I'll never forget her, the renewed lease on life she gave me, and the important lesson I learned that day.

No matter what age, never let your feelings of expertise overrule the need for basic safety precautions.

Ignoring common sense could cause you to learn the toughest lesson - one that is not uncommonly taught to the "big, hard hero."

- Robin Spencer Kiefer

Check out my recent thoughts about open water swim safety and how I became an accidental lifeguard.

I know I'm not the only one out there to have been saved - I'd love to hear your comments.

Swim Sighting Technique - The Basics

Open water swim sighting is an essential skill to up your game in both triathlon and distance swimmer events. Here is some basic advice for beginners looking for a way to get started developing their approach to leveraging the benefits of practicing informed swim sighting.

Here are 10 quick tips.

Pre-Race Swim Sighting Tips

• Tip 1 Use polarized swim goggles: Polarized lenses reduce the annoying glare present in sunny conditions, restoring definition to your field of vision.
• Tip 2 Treat your lenses with anti-fog spray: No matter how good a swimmer you are, without clear vision, you're bound for trouble. Check to see if your goggles still have their anti-fog coating. If not, treat them before race day so you're prepared.
• Tip 3 Know the swim course: Try to do your swim training on the actual swim course and learn shore landmarks. Sighting the finish relative to larger marks (trees, houses, etc) will help you stay on course, saving time and energy.

Swim Sighting Tips For Race Day

• Tip 4 Keep your head low: If conditions allow, lift your head from the water just high enough to raise your eyes above the surface and quickly scan your swim course position and surroundings.
• Tip 5 Swim a straight line: Many beginners tend to string the buoys together, using a series of line segments to plot their course instead of a straight line. Choose a straight line that keeps your swim within the legal swim marker buoys, instead of bouncing to buoy to buoy.
• Tip 6 Use other swimmers to sight: Following other swimmers instead of doing your own sighting can be risky on longer courses, but is especially useful for a quick check to see if you're still on target. Swimmer feet and swimmer bubbles make excellent targets that are easy to see underwater in most conditions.
• Tip 7 Sight from on high: When it comes to sighting, it pays to take the high road. Under rougher conditions, execute your sighting on top of the waves, not in the wave trough. The higher you are on the wave - the more you'll see.
• Tip 8 Breath strategically: Breathing should not be done during forward sighting, combining the two encourages swimmers to lift their heads higher than necessary, creating considerable drag and breaking good swim stroke form.
• Tip 9 Don't slow down: Don't disrupt your stroke. Learn to keep your stroke moving and increase your swim kick effort during sighting, to make sure your lower body stays in a horizontal plane, without dropping deeper into the water and slowing your progress.
• Tip 10 Pace your sighting: Develop your system for frequency of sighting. Ideally you should be able to swim in a relatively straight line for 20-30 second intervals, but more frequent sight checks may be required to build towards this goal.

I hope these basic tips are helpful - please let me know what you think - or share some of your favorite tactics for better sighting!

Best of luck,

Robin

PS. Be sure to check out my other posts on open water swimming and triahtlon training:

• Open Water Swim Safety
• Lap Swimming Etiquette
• Safer Swimmer Open Water Swimming Buoy Review

Learn More Swimming Tips:

• Bilateral Breathing For Swimmers
• Swimming Tips For Beginners: Basic Gear, Pool Etiquette, and Overcoming Inertia
• Swimming Technique: 3 Ways To Improve Speed (Butterfly Edition)
• Swimming Technique Part Two: 3 Ways To Improve Speed (Backstroke Edition)
• Swimming Technique Part Three: 3 Ways To Improve Speed (Breaststroke Edition)
• Lap Swimming Etiquette
• 15 Meter Resurfacing Markers – The Underwater Swimming Rule
• The Benefits of Swimming: 5 Ways Swimming Improves Your Life

Let's Face It!

When heading out for a swim at the pool or beach, lifesaving is probably not on your mind. You're most likely thinking about your swim workout, your next race, or perhaps most importantly: cooling off and having fun in the water. The most common safety concern on the minds of others I swim with seems to focused on sun exposure ("Wear your sunscreen or you'll get a sunburn!").

Even if you are confident in your own ability, please be aware of this sobering fact: there are plenty of non-swimmers out there, and you might have to save a life when you least expect it.

A Little Bit About Me

I'm not a great swimmer. I never brag about my swimming - and for good reason. My grandfather, Adolph Kiefer, is an Olympic Champion backstroker. My father and uncle were both college swimmers and high school state champions. My wife Stacey swam through college and continues to post top times in Chicago area triathlons. Despite all this and having immediate access to the greatest swim gear in existence, I'm still slow.

But I'm a good enough swimmer to save a life - and I learned this by accident.

Accidental Lifeguard

Stacey and I had spent a "quiet" Fourth of July mountain biking in Kettle Moraine State Forest, in southeastern Wisconsin. As we were heading home, we decided to stop at one of her favorite Lake Michigan swimming spots, a secluded beach in Racine, Wisconsin, for a quick open water swim. We parked, scrambled down a steep bluff, and estimated the water temperature with our feet. Braving Lake Michigan water temperatures in early July may not sound challenging, but let me tell you - it can be brutally uncomfortable. Even on days when winds haven't blown more comfortable water temperatures far out from land, swimming can be quite a test of one's pain tolerance.

And on that day, Fourth of July 2003, the water was very cold. We decided to cancel our swim and head back to our car. It was at this point that I heard something- a faint noise from offshore. We stopped and listened, and before long, the sound repeated. Still faint, but unmistakable, someone was calling for help.

I scanned the horizon and saw a tiny orange kayak out in the lake, quite some distance from shore. "Help me!", called the voice, and at this point I was able to see an arm waving above the kayak, beckoning for assistance. Without hesitation, we entered the water and began to swim towards the boat.

Swimming In Cold Water - Swim Fast!

When confronting cold water, Stacey has always been a proponent of swimming rapidly to overcome the initial shock - and this technique seems to work well. I've never been able to figure out if this is a distraction technique or a true acclimatization tactic, but it works. Perhaps the best distraction from the discomfort was a thought that occurred to me as we covered the near 1/4 mile distance of open water: what would we do when we reached the kayak?

This question was soon answered for us - with no rescue tubes, rescue cans, or water rescue equipment of any kind - we had only one course of action - to tow the capsized kayak with its exhausted, hypothermic pilot to safety. This wasn't easy, but both of us were able to swim the considerable weight back to shore.

Here's To The Lifeguards - Here's To The Swimmers

Lifeguarding is a difficult job that requires great skill and responsibility. It isn't an accidental role and requires full concentration because guards have to constantly scan for (and be completely aware of) potential danger and life-threatening situations.

However, when no lifeguards are on duty, the situation may only involve swimmers.

So think about it swimmers. Strive to sharpen your awareness and maintain your abilities - because the world needs more accidental lifeguards.

Without  lifeguards, I wouldn't be alive today - but that's a story for another day.

Be safe out there,

Robin Spencer Kiefer

P.S. Check out our recent post on open water swim safety tips!

A Creature Of Habit

Believe me, I'm like most lifetime swimmers. I'm a creature of habit, and making a change to my swim workout, my kickboard, or even my anti-chlorine shampoo is very unlikely. Change my goggles? Only if I've lost them and they're no longer being made by the manufacturer. But I'll make one exception to my goggle and swim gear rule.

From Pool To Pond

Many competitive swimmers and triathletes transition from the pool to open water without changing up their choice of swim goggles. But I'd recommend experimenting. Swimmers that plan to race and train longer distances in open water should consider a change, ditching their regular goggles for a pair better suited for open water.

Some prefer swim masks in open water, like the Kiefer Maui Swim Mask. Swim Masks have larger frames than your typical goggle, allowing a larger sealing area and increased field of vision, but tend to be heavier and less hydrodynamic. For those who still prefer swim goggles, Kiefer has the perfect solution, the Kiefer Visionspex Polarized Swim Goggle.

Kiefer Visionspex Polarized Swim Goggle

The Kiefer Visionspex goggle is larger framed than typical goggle, providing a very accommodating fit to the adult eye socket. A flexible goggle frame molds easily and comfortably to the face. Ample silicone gaskets do not crowd eyes, and require little strap pressure to secure a watertight seal. Even with an overtightened strap, these gaskets remain comfortably and do not bear done on the eyes.

The Visionspex strap is made from a nicely finished silicone and is split into two as the strap approaches the back of the head, allowing for a tailored and secure fit to satisfy the unique physically geometry of any user. The quick adjust system is located at both points where the strap enters the frame, and requires little time and effort for easy and precise adjustment.

During my open water swim in Lake Andrea yesterday, I made mental notes of why this goggle is my constant

companion during my open water training. Besides the comfort of the goggle, it's still fast in the water (no bulky clunked here). But that's not the even the best part about these swimming goggles.

I think the most outstanding advantages of the Visionspex Polarized are the lenses. They provide wide viewing angles, allowing great views of competitors and surrounding life aquatic. Lenses are also treated with anti-fog to provide a clear path - so there's no need to stop, flood, and drain to maintain clear vision. But the best lens feature is the polarization (and anyone who's had their course sighting flooded out by unwanted sun reflection - take note!). Even in sunny conditions, the polarization helps tame the glare of the sun, allowing you to better differentiate waves, swimmers, boats, and shore landmarks.

Summing It Up

In short, Visionspex are a great choice for training and racing, and a natural for open water. Offering ultimate comfort and enhanced visibility, they're worth adding to your swim bag.

Please check 'em out and let me know what you think.

Now get out there and grab some water!

Thanks,

Robin Spencer Kiefer

Looking For More On Open Water Swimming?

Be sure to check out our Open Water Swim Training post, and check back for my review on the Safer Swimmer Open Water Swim Buoy.

Summer has finally arrived - my favorite time of year to swim.

[caption id="attachment_251" align="alignleft" width="165"] Looking for open water? Be Safe![/caption]

On the Wisconsin / Illinois state line, the heat of the summer causes water in all lakes great and small to warm to sanely swimmable temperatures, marking the beginning of my open water swim training.

Although summer is here, Lake Michigan can be frigid enough to prevent me from swimming (even with a wetsuit), so I often choose smaller (warmer) lakes for my distance swimming workouts, allowing me to enjoy open water without neoprene insulation.

But despite my anxiousness to dive in and immerse myself in mother nature, there's one thing that I never avoid - being safe. Open water swim safety requires additional precautions and considerations (as if swimming wasn't hard enough already!).

Here are quick swim safety tips to consider for your next open water swim:

• Swim in a group: Bring a buddy to your lake swim. There's safety in numbers and swimming in groups adds safety. Larger groups of swimmers are easily seen from shore and are more readily recognized by boats. Group swims also lend confidence and reassurance to less confident swimmers. Remember to stay in group formation once you've started - live large and keep the pack together. Swimming in packs also helps prepare swimmers for the rather intense triathlon swim starts.
• Mark your shoreline: If you are swimming in an area that isn't familiar or easily discernible from the water, mark your starting point. Marking your start helps you sight your swim and provides reassurance to new open water swimmers. Marking the swim start also helps members of the group who are planning a shorter swim (and may want to turn around before you!).
• Swim close to the shore: Consider your distance from shore. Less experienced swimmers should keep closer to shore, safety permitting. If it is not safe to swim near the shore, you may want to consider another site for your training.
• Keep your vision clear: Wear swim goggles or swim masks that have been treated with anti-fog coating and have polarized lenses. I'm partial to Kiefer brand gear, but the Kiefer Visionspex Swim Goggles are an excellent choice for open water training and racing, and have both polarized lenses and anti-fog treatment.
• Keep a high profile: Take every opportunity to make you and your group easier to see. Be sure to pick a bright neon swim cap so boats notice you sooner than later. Also, our neon orange Kiefer Safer Swimmer open water swim buoy boosts visibility for swimmers.
• Time your swim: Less experienced open water swimmers should be aware of the duration of their swim, and should bring a waterproof watch for timing. Timing swims allows swimmers to conclude their swim after an appropriate duration. Losing track of time during a swim can could cause exhaustion or hypothermia if a reasonable duration hasn't been observed.
• Take a break and look around: Take breaks to get your bearings, noting locations of other swimmers, your swim start, and boat traffic. Stray swimmers should be collected and brought back to the group.
• Consider a guide boat: Some bodies of water have heavy boat traffic. Swimming with a guide boat adds visibility, giving jet skis and motor boats more reason to steer clear of your swim route.

Know any other important swim safety tips to keep swimmers safe during their open water swim training? I'd love to get your comments.

Learn More About Open Water Swimming:

• Safer Swimmer Open Water Swimming Buoy
• Open Water Swimming Safety Tips For Everyone
• Why We Love Open Water Swimming