Scared to swim alone

[Dontwantsummertoendreally]

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.

It's only a fine - fixed rate i think. Those are factored into our costs. The shareholders will still make a profit, the company wont get ahut down or anything. Fines are not really a problem for the rich, only for the poor.

Agree. They should be jailed!

Depends on the beach...some are quite safe, just be aware of the tide, and some beaches are very unsafe. You need to know what kind of beach you are at and what to look for. If you are unsure, swim groups of the right level are good to learn from experienced swimmers in that particular area. And always use a swim buoy. A bright swim hat is good too.

There have been tragedies on busy beaches so having crowds of people there isn't an indicator of safety.

And for people who say it's just not worth the risk..surely you could say that about using a road to get to any of your hobbies.

Driving is way more dangerous than swimming, yet everyone continues to do it

No. I am a strong swimmer but you need someone to notice if you get into trouble. You could have a cramp or a jellyfish sting or any kind of medical emergency that means you might need pulling from the water. I'd swim alone in a pool because that feels more of a known entity and easier to self rescue from if needed.

I swim with a brilliant flotation vest and never go out of my depth. It’s bright orange so people could see me if I am in trouble. I know the float to live rule. We have had deaths in our sea but I’m sensible with the conditions.
vest inflatable and from Amazon about 25£ . But still stay within your depth if alone

Ex useme , you wasn't dashed on the rocks but he was, madame if you broke it he and did not call life guard lite for him he would've died so early so say to him you're lucky you didn't die if it wasn't for me and if he didn't say ily come look for me ok

I think if others are on the beach and you wear a brightly coloured hat and tow float you’d be fine because you’d be doubly visible. Also, if you were to struggle, you can tuck the float under your chest and hold it to you and rest. We have to do this in the lakes we go to, so it makes even more sense to take the same precautions in the sea.

I'm not sure op has a pool

So many people drown every year, including strong swimmers. Don't do it.
The currents can catch you out.

My husband is a great swimmer, and when he was a strong young man he tried to swim across a channel of water to a small beach island (in the UK). Cut a long story short, the current was deceptive and he got into trouble. Very ordinary weather conditions, no warning signs, just everyday circumstances.

Honestly he could have died.

I love sea swimming and live by the coast, we get a lot of under currents and rip tides though, so I wouldn't sea swim alone until the lifeguards come on duty. I am a strong swimmer but one current you didn't expect, cramp etc and you're in trouble if there's not someone to help. I have joined a lovely sea swim group though it's really fun and very casual so no pressure to go every week. I tend to do it once a week or so, but they meet 5 times a week, almost all women.

Impossible to answer this question if you don’t say where you are. If you are in mainland Europe, check the water quality regularly but I would swim depending on currents. If you are in Australia absolutely not 🤣

The op isnt going to be doing that

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

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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....