Safety Advice for Open Water Swimmers
Staying Safe While You Swim for COPE Galway.
Your safety is our top priority. For your safety, COPE Galway will have lifeguards and first aiders on hand at the Christmas Day Swim. Whether you are joining us on Christmas Day or swimming somewhere else, please take the time to read our safety guidelines and follow the available public safety information.
Stay safe, enjoy your swim, and thank you for supporting COPE Galway!
Safe Swimming Guidelines
Choose a safe place to swim.
Swim in places you are familiar with. Swim parallel to the shore, and close to where you can get in and out quickly and easily.
Only swim when it is safe.
Check the weather forecast before you swim, and if you are unsure, do not swim. Avoid swimming when it is dark.
Stay visible when you swim.
Wear a brightly coloured swim hat or tow float. Do not swim alone, and/or let someone know when and where you are swimming.
Follow safety guidelines.
Familiarise yourself with open water swimming safety information before you swim. Always follow safety signs and lifeguard instructions.
Listen to your body.
Know when you are too cold and get out. Wear a wetsuit and swimming hat or hats and acclimate slowly to cold water.
Get in. Get out. Warm up
Don’t stay in too long. Dry off immediately afterwards and layer up in warm clothes, hat and gloves. Bring a hot water bottle and a warm drink.
Avoid diving
Cold winter water can cause involuntary gasping and shock. Avoid diving or jumping in. Enter the water gradually to slowly adapt to the cold water.
Avoid alcohol and full meals
Alcohol impairs judgment and slows your response time. Do not drink alcohol before your swim and wait till after your swim to eat a full meal.
