Water wings and pool noodles are toys — not drowning prevention devices,” Smith says. Especially in the ocean, the wind and current can carry kids offshore or lure kids into deeper water to chase a toy that got away from them. “Floatable toys should be used by those who are capable to be in areas of the water safely without them,” Ramos adds. 6. Follow Any Posted Water Safety Rules Try not to be overly worried about what you look like. Swimmers come in all shapes and sizes and once you are in the water, no one can see you anyway! Try to put this out of your mind. Besides, it's a temporary issue anyway. In a matter of weeks, you'll be stronger and your confidence will have grown. Everyone feels a bit self-conscious when they emerge from the changing rooms and before they hit the water for the first time, but don't let it stand in your way," adds Dr Lee. The importance of warming up

Open water swimming is intensely rewarding but comes with obvious risks," said qualified swimming coach Sarah Wiseman, who runs an open water swim school. When swimming outdoors you must always stay together. With younger children keep them within arms reach when in on or around the water. heavy rainfall can wash harmful bacteria from agricultural land, urban areas and sewage to rivers, seas and bathing waters and affect water quality

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Amanda Evans agreed. "When I started swimming in the ocean, the connection to the open water helped me so much with my mental health, especially when I lost my mother. I love sea swimming so much because it makes me feel alive and at one with nature," said Evans. More people than ever are coming to our pools and beaches, and on top of this there are fewer people who know how to swim because we lost two years of swimming lessons,” Fisher says. “This year, we’re also canceling classes because the instructors are lifeguards, and we have to choose between keeping pools open or teaching kids to swim.” Compared with the seaside or a lake, it's easier to spot a swimmer in distress at a pool, Fisher says. And there will often be markers to indicate how deep the water is, so less-confident swimmers can stay where it’s shallow. Don’t push yourself to the max to do more laps faster than you ever have before, or urge your child to master new skills like swimming the entire length of the pool on their own. And don’t push your limits just to show off or keep up with your friends and family. “Be honest with yourself about your swimming ability and don’t feel pressure to hide it from others if it’s not up to the level of others you’re swimming with,” Ramos says. “Overextending yourself to keep up with others can lead to trouble.” On spring tides, high tides are higher and low tides are lower. In other words, spring tides are the biggest difference in water heights and have stronger currents. They occur every two weeks. Neap tide (first and third quarter moon)

Qualified swimming coach Sarah Wiseman gives an insight into how to remain safe when swimming in the sea.

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Usually found on gentle sloping or flat beaches. They happen when the crest (top) of the wave tumbles down the face (front) of the wave. These waves are good for swimmers. Plunging or dumping waves The breathing side of open swimming, and particularly the rhythm of breathing, is vital for concentration. The water temperature changes all the time, which is excellent for your circulation and immune system," said Evans, who has launched a new animated Sky Original TV series Obki, inspired by her love of sea swimming. Plan how you’re going to get out of the ocean before you get into the water and consider any currents, the tidal flow and wind direction," said Wiseman. Water watchers can take turns, but when they’re on duty this is supposed to be their only focus. “Although it may seem extreme for adults, the water watcher concept is still the best plan,” Ramos adds. 9. Use the Buddy System to Stay Safe in the Water Ask yourself, is it safe for me to swim? Do your own risk assessment of the area you are choosing to swim. Useful information to help you choose a good swimming spot Before you go

The COVID-19 pandemic halted programs to train and recertify lifeguards for two straight years, resulting in a loss of about one million lifeguards who would otherwise be working this summer, says Bernard J. Fisher II, the director of health and safety for the American Lifeguard Association in Vienna, Virginia. This shortage, combined with a pandemic pause in temporary work visas for foreign lifeguards, has forced countless pools and beaches to open with fewer lifeguards, reduce their hours, or close altogether this summer, he says. Is there anybody else using the beach? Are there any boat users or creel pots in the water? Are the boats motorised or with sails? Our swim lessons are a great way to empower children to learn life-saving skills that allow them to make lasting memories in and around water — safely. Our progressive swimming lessons prioritize proper technique and essential water safety in comfortable, warm-water pools that inspire confidence and fun.Look around to see what lifesaving equipment is available to use, such as a ring buoy or reaching pole, Ramos recommends. Wiseman said: "Try and choose a beach that has a lifeguard. If you’re new to the area, speak to the lifeguards, let them know your plans and follow their advice. Look at where other people are swimming. Don’t be afraid to talk to locals, find out if there is a local swimming group, either organised or informal, and where possible, swim with others. There are various types of algae that occur naturally in all natural waters, but evidence suggests the one that poses the greatest risk to health is blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in freshwaters. Safety is paramount when it comes to learning how to swim in the ocean. One way you can do this is to scout a location before you go swimming. Parents need to know that lots of products pitched as aids for kids in the water really won’t help, says Gary Smith, MD, DrPH, the president of the Child Injury Prevention Alliance and the director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.