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Original poster

Scared to swim alone

212 replies

Dontwantsummertoendreally · 19/08/2026 10:21

Is anyone else?

We live near the beach. I’m starting a new job mid September, so I have a couple of weeks to myself at the start of September when Dc are back at school.
Very excited and decided to make the most of it and do some things I really enjoy.
These include going to the cinema alone, coffee at the beach, reading at the beach and morning swims in the sea.
I do this when we all go to a beach as a family. Dh sometimes comes in, but if not, is still there on the sand.
Lifeguards don’t start until 10, there will probably be some people around, but not many.
Would you swim out in the sea alone? Am I being a big baby?!
Did all these things when younger, without even thinking about it.

OP posts:
DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 10:48

The sea is prob full of raw sewage if you’re in the UK.

dizzydizzydizzy · 19/08/2026 10:46

Ex lifeguard here. Wait until the lifeguards are there and pay careful attention to possibility of raw sewage in the water. Or go to the pool.

chirrupybird · 19/08/2026 10:41

I would swim in shallow water that I could stand up in easily and knew there were no hidden drops or fast currents and with calm seas, I wouldn't be swimming seriously though, just swim a bit paddle a bit up to my waist type of thing.

Theheatishot · 19/08/2026 10:40

See if there’s a bluetits group near you. Mainly women who meet and swim. No charge. Just a free to turn up social group. Swim at own risk.
May have informal groups under other names, depending where you are.

Sprogonthetyne · 19/08/2026 10:35

If you're off work, can't you just go after 10 when the lifeguard starts? I don't think depending on there being an early morning dog walker, who would then notice if you did get into trouble, is the best option.

Original poster
Dontwantsummertoendreally · 19/08/2026 10:31

Was so ready to be told I was being over the top!
I don’t go out far and would only go in when water is calm, but probably best not to.
There are some people around and walking/sunbathing on the beach, but still makes me a bit unsure.

OP posts:
takealettermsjones · 19/08/2026 10:27

This obviously depends on your ability and experience - are you a strong open water swimmer? If you are, then you'll know how to assess the weather, take a tow float etc - you'll likely be fine. If you're not, then no, you'd be mad to do this.

lechatnoir · 19/08/2026 10:27

I wouldn’t swim alone in the sea but if you must, please always yell your husband when & where you’re going and attach yourself to an open water life buoy with a pocket for your phone. I’d try and find a group or swim buddy.

ThatWriterInTheCorner · 19/08/2026 10:26

How well do you know the beach? Is it generally safe (or at least is it clear and obvious when it's not safe)? Or are there hidden currents and rips that might make it dangerous? Are there other regular swimmers there at the unlifeguarded times?

There are beaches where I would 100% swim alone if the conditions looked good, because I know the waters well, and also the times when it's not safe are blindingly obvious (like massive breakers higher than your head). There are other beaches where I would 100% not swim unless the lifeguards were on duty even if it looked fine, because people regularly and tragically drown on them. If I don't know the beach well and there's no-one else around, I would 100% not swim there.

SparklyBlueDress · 19/08/2026 10:25

I’d only swim alone with lifeguards working.

mydiorsandals · 19/08/2026 10:24

No, no, no - I can't stress how dangerous it can be.

I wouldn't swim in the sea alone and certainly where I couldn't see the bottom.

MiddleAgedDread · 19/08/2026 10:22

I hate the sea but for safety reasons I wouldn't swim alone. Are there no groups you could join?