Safety

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

Lifeguard Rescue Tubes are required rescue equipment for swimming pools and waterparks. Read on to learn about the rescue tubes, their inventor, and the history of their development.

What Is A Rescue Tube?

A rescue tube is floating buoy that facilitates lifeguard water rescues, allowing rescuers wrap the rescue tube around victims. A buoy or rescue tube is a piece of lifesaving equipment used in water rescue. The buoyancy of the rescue tube helps support the weight of both the victim and rescuer, providing reassurance to distressed swimmer.

A harness with strap allows lifeguard to secure the strap to their own body. Some rescue tubes use a clip to enclose the bent tube around the victim, so it will not open up and release the victim into the water.

Rescue Tube History

Pete Peterson- Inventor Of The Rescue Tube

In 1932, 19 year old Preston "Pete" Peterson was both a championship surfer and a member of the inaugural staff of Santa Monica, California lifeguards.

Peterson was also an innovating craftsman, producing high-performance surfboards and paddleboards made from balsa and redwood.

Pete's entrepreneurial ability didn't end there. In 193,5 he invented a yellow, inflatable rescue buoy equipped with a snap hook and harness, known as the Peterson Belt, that inspired the modern day rescue tubes used by today's lifeguards.

Rescue Cans Vs. Rescue Tubes

Although truly revolutionary, the Peterson Belt criticized by some rescuers for its fragility, as it periodically deflated during rescues.

Some lifeguards preferred the intrepid Rescue Can, a floating buoy made from a aluminum or steel. Rescue Cans likely caused a trivial injuries to the rescued, but their sturdy construction resisted puncturing.

Both sides of the Rescue Can Vs. Rescue Tube argument still exist today; the debate still persists in Lifeguarding blogs and communities.

1964 The Rescue Tube Rebounds

In 1964, the problem of the deflating rescue tube was solved. The redesigned rescue tube used a single piece of highly buoyant foam rubber that was dipped into a coating of liquid rubber. The result was soft, flexible rescue device that wouldn't hurt swimmers in peril.

Modern Rescue Tube Construction

Rescue Tube Body

Bodies: Rescue tube bodies are at least 40 inches in length and are constructed from soft, vinyl-coated PVC foam. Rounded edges are ideal, creating a naturally hydrodynamic design to reduce drag as it travels through in the water. This streamlined design is also ideal for increasing the life of the vinyl coating; soft, vinyl coatings applied to rounded edges are crack-resistant by design.

Clips: Clips for fastening rescue tubes around the victim are made from a sturdy, lightweight Delrin buckles to make swimmers more comfortable and reduce the incidence of swimmer injury during rescue.

Thickness: Added thickness boosts buoyancy, making victim retrieval easier for lifeguards.

Rescue Tube Harness & Towline

Polypropylene rope is strung through the entire tube body, extending tube life by protecting the tube strap from pulling out.

A Nylon shoulder harness loops under one arm and over the opposite shoulder, allowing lifeguards to tow victims safely to shore without compromising their swim stroke. The extra wide harness dissipates force placed on the lifeguard's shoulder, making the rescue as focused and straightforward as possible.

Interested in becoming a lifeguard?

Go for it- the world needs more heroes. Check out our other lifeguarding articles about rescue cans.

See you at the pool,

Robin

We've heard it before, swimming is a non-contact sport, swimming is great for rehab, or even *gasp* you can't injure yourself swimming. False, false, false. I'm not saying every swimmer is destined to face injury, however, it is much more likely if you don't take preventative steps. Communicate concerns with your coaches, ice, and be informed.

The most common swimming injury faced by swimmers are shoulder injuries. Rotator cuff issues, tendonitis, and stress fractures are not uncommon. I've dealt with them all.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

A rotator cuff injury involves muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint. Those muscles and tendons can become inflamed resulting in a constant dull ache. More severe injuries to the rotator cuff, like tears, may result in surgery or shots. The good news is you can take care of most minor rotator cuff issues by being proactive.

Rotator Cuff Exercises

Performing rotator cuff exercises with small hand weights is a must for any swimmer, regardless of whether they are rehabbing or preventing an injury. In reality doing them daily takes less than 10 minutes, a small investment in time compared to your overall time spent training. In most cases, a three to five pound hand weight or a medium gauge length of surgical tubing is sufficient. If you are using surgical tubing, you can perform exercises by either standing on the middle of your tubing or wrapping it around a pole.

Raises

Raises: Begin with your hands at your side holding your weights. If you are using tubing, stand on the middle and hold one end in each hand. With your pinkies up and your thumbs down, raise your straight arm to shoulder height and lower. Never let your arms snap back to your sides. To reap the full benefits of this exercise, you must control both up and down motions. There are two directions (side and front) in which to perform this exercise, but never go past shoulder height. Concentrate on the contracting of muscles around your shoulder blades and visualize them drawing together.

Repetitions: 10 reps of side raises and front raises with each arm.

Inward & Outward Rotators

For the next exercise hand weight users will need to lie on the ground on their side. Tubing users will be standing utilizing a pole. Whether on the ground or standing, the elbow must maintain constant contact with your side. Allowing your elbow to float away from your body negates the benefits of this exercise. Hand weight users will be one directional with this exercise, in a controlled motion (no flinging) lower your weight to the ground so your forearm runs parallel with it, then raise until your forearm until it is perpendicular to the ground, pointing straight up in the air.

Tubing users, wrap your tubing around a pole and hold both ends in one hand.

Outward: Keeping your elbow in contact with your side, begin with your fist holding the tubing pointing towards the pole and crossing your midsection, step away to increase the intensity of the exercise. The shoulder not in use is closest to the pole. Now slowly bring your fisted hand away from the pole as far as you can while maintaining elbow contact.

Inward: To reverse this exercise do a half turn with your body. Your elbow will still be at your side, and your hand fisting the tubing will still be pointed towards the pole, but now the shoulder not in use will be opposite the pole. Repeat.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of muscles and tendons often results from ignored/untreated rotator cuff injuries. Tendonitis can feel like a biting or stabbing pain and often result in lost pool time. My annual bout with tendonitis arrived during Christmas training. However, I could prevent lost pool time by being proactive in the weeks leading up to increased yardage.

Preventing Tendonitis:

• Frequent icing
• Massages
• Muscle stimulation therapy helped considerably.

Communication

Don't ignore rotator cuff pain. Immediately communicating discomfort to your coaching staff is key to get proper feedback and advice. If you are still concerned, visit a a doctor with a sports medicine background.

Icing & Muscle Fatigue

Always ice fatigued muscles immediately after practice to accelerate muscle repair and stave off tendonitis. Don't skip this important maintenance! Look for convenient treatments - apply a bag (or two) of frozen peas when you get home or see your trainer to be padded with ice bags and cling wrap.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone created by the repetitive application of force from athletic motion and overuse.

Overtraining

Not all stress fractures are preventable; some swimmers have weaker bones. However, overtraining is easily prevented.

I loved my coach dearly and gladly followed his direction. In hindsight, a 12-13 year old swimmer should probably not swim 10,000 yard distances for time. If you have concerns about your swimming load-  discuss them with coach in a respectful manner. Ask questions and gain insight.

I suffered a stress fracture in my right shoulder when I was thirteen years old. I was out of the water for three months and endured the same length of rehab time (a regime of exercises, ice, and sessions with the muscles stimulation device).

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.

Can Your Child Swim?

It's already the middle of summer - has your little swimmer developed the confidence to jump in the water? As a parent, there is so much you can do to offer your own swim lessons and help your swimmer-in-training become self assure/aware enough to take the plunge.

To jump start learning, I recommend using the Kiefer Paddler®, let me tell you why.

The Paddler is adjustable and works well with most children under the age of 10. It isn't a lifesaving device - it is a learn to swim and be competent in the water device. With your guidance, it will help your child learn to swim safely and properly.

The Kiefer Paddler Teaches Proper Swimming

The problem with other learn to swim devices on the market is not how they are made but what they teach. Arm floaties, for example, encourage kids to keep their heads up and feet down. Problem. What happens if the child falls in the water without the floaties? They revert to what they have been taught, head up, feet down, and sinking soon follows.

The Kiefer Paddler is a unique learn to swim device because it is a teaching tool as well as a floating support. By positioning the Kiefer Paddler at the chest or hips (depending on size and ability of the child), young children are encouraged to keep their body parallel to the surface. This promotes learning to float and be comfortable in the water. Children can freely propel themselves back and forth across the pool by kicking or pulling unrestrained with their arms. Unlike floaties or life vests, there is no limitation in mobility.

More Kiefer Learn To Swim Floats

Kiefer offers other learn to swim tools like the Kiefer Swim 'N Play Trainer. The Paddler and the Bubble Trainer work in a similar fashion, but the Paddler provides a more stable support system for a nervous or novice swimmer. The Paddler's swim noodle composition wraps nearly all the way around the body, preventing face submersion unless it is chosen by the user. Kiefer also offers the Rock It Boat, a kick and body position trainer. Rock It Boat doesn't offer the same amount of upper body mobility as the Paddler, making the Paddler the ideal choice for first timers.

Make Learning To Swim Fun

In the water, parents can assist familiarizing the child with the Paddler. The Paddler can become a speed boat along with a song to help relax your swimmer. Loosening the adjustable belt to allow a firm handhold allows you to use the Paddler as a harness and pull your swimmer around the pool in big circles. This encourages their feet to float (or you can encourage them to kick) behind them. Sing ‘motor boat, motor boat go so slow' (slow circles) 'motor boat, motor boat go so fast' (faster circles) 'motor boat, motor boat step on the gas' (super fast circle).

As a coach and a parent to a toddler, I have found most kids have a joyfully competitive nature. Set up a course for your swimmer to race across and time them. Whether you are in a backyard pool or your local aquatic center, just pull out your watch and shout out “ready... go!” Our three year old loves when I count out the seconds as she kicks across a 25 yard pool with her Paddler.

Know Any Great Tricks To Get Kids Swimming?

I'd love to hear what other parents and teachers are doing to get kids to take the first plunge into the pool. What has worked for you?

See you at the pool,

Emily

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!

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