Here is my Top 10 Open water safety tips -

I want to use my role in and out of the pool to talk about the importance of water safety and ensure people of all ages can enjoy water safely.

My aim is to get as many people swimming as possible but most of all, to do it in a safe way. I am passionate about raising awareness of water safety and I feel very lucky to be an ambassador for RLSS – it is such an important charity to be working alongside and they do such amazing work

My Top 10 Open water Safety tips:

  1. Make sure you are aware of the conditions before entering the water and that it is safe to get in.
  2. Make sure you know the water depth and that you are comfortable swimming at that depth.
  3. Bring a ‘buddy’ to swim with so you can look out for each other
  4. Always wear an appropriate flotation device, such as a buoyancy aid or lifejacket, when taking part in activities on the water or at the water’s edge
  5. Wear a bright swimming cap so people can see you clearly
  6. Wear something suitable for the surroundings e.g. if it’s cold, swim in a wetsuit
  7. Make sure that your goggles are comfortable and that you can easily see where you are going
  8. Ensure there is a lifeguard present.
  9. Have someone spot you from the side so they are aware where you are.
  10. Acclimatise to the water temperature before swimming into deeper areas – never jump or dive in.

My mum is not confident in the water, which is the case for many, many people across the world. It is so important to ensure people feel comfortable in and around water and to arm them with the skills and information they need so they can start enjoying the water safely.