Scared to swim alone

That makes so much sense - but the OP said ‘not in the UK’? Maybe the answers would’ve been different if the location was clearer then. I feel relieved to know that the answers are (mostly) based on the UK!

I wouldn’t swim in the sea because the water companies put raw sewage in there.

The tides in the Med are quite weak, whereas the UK coastline has some of the largest tidal ranges and fastest tidal streams in the world. For example with the ranges, the difference between low and high tide at Faliraki is less than 40 centimetres for most of the year, in Cornwall it’s anywhere between 2 metres and 8 metres. At Weston Super Mare the difference can be up to 15 metres. Also the water is a lot colder here. It’s just not comparable.

First rule of swimming. Never do it alone.

As many have said leave it until 10.

I wouldn't swim in the sea at all. But if I did I would never do it alone, that's dangerous. Even with a lifeguard there I wouldn't swim alone. There's a good chance they wouldn't spot it if you got in to trouble and was on your own.

Yes. But the poster does not have your knowledge or understanding. There may not have to be life guards, but there should be other people nearby.

There are plenty of places with clean water.

North West UK.

Where do you live?

Pretty much.

Not everywhere.

I think there is a middle ground, personally I enjoy a paddle in the sea. Waist height is about as deep as I go.

the beaches near me are not lifeguarded and rarely have people on them (north Scotland), I swim in the sea but I tell someone I'm there, stay in my depth and I know that bit of coast extremely well. I do take my dog....

I do sometimes swim alone, as do my friends. We are members of a masters swim club though so are experienced swimmers. I'd only go at a beach I know well, that is fairly shallow, conditions are fair, people are usually around.

I always use a tow float, whether I'm with people or not. If you like to swim in the sea I'd recommend getting one. You are easily seen and can hold onto it to float. I have one which is also a dry bag and put my phone inside in a waterproof case in there so I could get it out and call for help if needed.

Who does 😂 I meant like if I was staying at a hotel, I think my answer of whether it would be ok to swim alone would be different.

Im divorced and older and Im looking for a local Somerset group to go swimmimg with either sea or wild swimming.

This is a dilemma that I have pondered. I'm widow and don't really have anyone to go on holiday with. I'd love to go for a swim in the sea but would be afraid to on my own. It's a strange feeling not having anyone on the beach that even knows you exist!

Could you go to a swimming pool and then go to the beach for a walk? That sounds safer to me.

To me it’d depend on the particular beach. I know of beaches where I’d happily swim alone, on a calm day (obviously) and where the sea is usually calm anyway, and that area of sea is known to be generally safe, without dangerous currents.

There are others where I certainly wouldn’t.
But I’m a competent swimmer and would never go very far out.

Never swim in the sea alone. I've lived by the sea for most of my life and it's dangerous. You can be gone in a minute if there is nobody to raise the alarm.
I swim in the local river on my own but its a popular spot and there is always someone on the tow path.

Regular open water swimmer here, in lakes rivers and the sea around the UK. Agree with all advice about knowing your area etc. I have swim alone in the sea where I know it well and on a relatively busy warm day however I did use a bright orange tow float as well. My practical advice would be to find a local swim group - often on Facebook. The outdoor swimming society ones are international and I have searched/ asked on them in the past when I have wanted to swim elsewhere. You will be amazed at how many different groups there are and it's a great way to meet knew people as well as to find out about local currents etc. Or just put the name of the place+ outdoor swimming into Facebook - in my experience swimming groups are really welcoming. Enjoy!

I swim in the sea on my own all the time but I know our beaches well and tend to just swim back and forth between two groynes just barely put of standing depth. I have a fluorescent floating bag that acts as a tow float too.
Be careful and sensible and always tell someone where you are going.
It sounds as if OP is not in the UK but for anyone who is I'd echo looking for a local Bluetits group if you'd rather swim with others.

Oh yes! We all have the SRSS app to check for discharges - 2 big popular beach’s have red alerts today. SWW are crooks!

I have done, but only at beaches that don’t have life guards because not known for strong currents etc.

however like you as I’m getting older getting more sensitive to the dangers of these sort of things. If the beach is deemed dangerous enough that it needs life guards, I’d be waiting until life guards are on duty if swimming alone

The op isnt going to be doing that