Swimming Guides - OpenWaterHQ

Is It Safe to Swim in a Creek? What You Should Know

As the weather warms up, many people look forward to swimming and playing in creeks. Creeks can seem like an ...

Can You Swim in Reservoirs? What You Should Know

Are you an outdoor swimmer planning a trip to a picturesque reservoir to take a refreshing dip in its waters? ...

Is Hot Spring Water Safe to Drink? Benefits and Risks

Embarking on a journey to explore the world's hot springs can be an exciting and rejuvenating experience. As you soak ...

Are Hot Springs Sanitary? What You Should Know

Are you a hot springs enthusiast looking to unwind in the soothing waters of earth’s natural hot tubs, but are ...

Is It Safe to Go In Sulfur Hot Springs While Pregnant?

Sulfur hot springs are natural thermal pools that contain various minerals, including sulfur, which is typically known for its potential ...

Are Hot Springs Good for Your Hair?

Have you ever found yourself wondering what this mineral-rich water of a hot spring might be doing to your hair? ...

Can You Swim in Hot Springs? Are They Safe or Dangerous?

Hot springs are renowned for their health and therapeutic benefits, but are they really as good as they are hyped ...

Do You Need to Wear Water Shoes in Hawaii?

When planning a vacation to Hawaii, one question that might come to your mind is whether or not you need ...

Can You Swim in a Cloudy Pool? What You Should Know

Swimming in a clear, sparkling pool is an enjoyable activity for many of us. However, we've all encountered that moment ...

Can You Swim in a Pool with Algae in It?

Algae is a common issue in swimming pools, particularly during hot summer months or when pool maintenance is neglected. You ...

Open water swimming is pretty self-explanatory; it is simply swimming in any outdoor bodies of water including the open ocean, lakes, and even rivers. You can do it casually or competitively, such as in triathlons.

At the highest level, you can compete in prestigious competitions such as the FINA World Aquatics Championships, the FINA 10 km Marathon Swimming World Cup, and even at the Olympic Games. It is a discipline acknowledged across the world, as there are official events worldwide.

Wearing a wetsuit is highly recommended due to the risks involved with open water swimming. In competition, wetsuits are either permitted or restricted based on the distance of the swim and the water temperature.

In this section, we have compiled a list of all our guides related to open water swimming.