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Original poster

Sea swimming

29 replies

Mitzdob · 10/04/2020 07:34

Would sea swimming count as daily exercise? I could walk to beach, it's only 10 mins from my house. I've got all the gear - wetsuit, tow float and would stay along the shore.

Thoughts!?

I've got half iron man booked for September so starting to worry about not getting the training in for the swim.

OP posts:
Bagsalot · 10/04/2020 07:37

I would say its pushing it really, also puts you at more risk of needing emergency services which would be my main concern I would think the September competition will be delayed or cancelled to be honest

MsF1t · 10/04/2020 07:37

I would have certainly thought so. It's not like you're driving half an hour first.

MsF1t · 10/04/2020 07:39

Bagsalot the swimmers I see in the sea where I live only swim about three metres out in waist high water. I can't imagine the OP will need rescuing, and it sounds like she knows what she's doing to me.

AuntieStella · 10/04/2020 07:42

No, it's not running, walking or cycling.

One person in the water will lead to everyone else plunging in, especially on a hot bank hol weekend.

You can train for both the running and cycling elements of the ironman, and hope that you will be able to restart swimming training soon.

(Even if you decide to pre-empt the loosening of lockdown, I think this weekend would still be ill-advised; waiting a few more weeks will be neither here nor there in terms of autumn event training)

Wifeofbikerviking · 10/04/2020 07:43

In my county the police have confirmed that surfing swimming etc in the sea is absolutely fine and is exercise. You must be able to walk to the sea.

FauxFox · 10/04/2020 07:44

Unfortunately I think probably not ok - I live walking distance to the beach and am desperate to get out paddle boarding - it would be in a shallow harbour and I would not need rescuing but sadly if I/you are allowed there will be some idiot trying to paddle to France on their first outing 🙄 it’s been in the news that the coast guards have stopped canoers/divers here and told them to go home.

Wifeofbikerviking · 10/04/2020 07:46

I can walk to the sea in a few minutes and have been having a quick dip every now and then. I go at about 7am, so as not to entice people in when there the majority are out for daily walk.
Theres a big bloody seal that loves to come say hello when I'm the only one in though, he doesnt seem to respect social distance measures 🤪

SuperCraft · 10/04/2020 07:49

Swim England have said not to.

SuperCraft · 10/04/2020 07:51

Pressed send too soon. I presume that's what they mean by "open water" swimming?

CarolineIngalls · 10/04/2020 07:56

Of course it is fine. I am now adding "only running, walking, cycling" to the performance pandemic list.

It is second only to "bread and milk are not essential"

Landlubber2019 · 10/04/2020 08:00

Can I come swimming with you? It would be a dream to go to the beach swimming...

Please go and give a full description and I will be with you in spirit 😃😃😃

Chocolategirl79 · 10/04/2020 08:02

@wifeofbikerviking are you in the uk? Sounds glorious.

Original poster
Mitzdob · 10/04/2020 08:09

I was thinking I could leave it for another three weeks, and hope we're out of lockdown. But if we're not, I'm gonna need to come up with something.

And yes, I'm half expecting the event to be cancelled, but if it is not and I haven't trained that would not be good.

I wouldn't be putting my self at risk in the sea, I only swim if it's calm, along the shore so not out of depth and I have all the gear as I trained for two mile open water event last year.

I just don't want to push the boundaries.

I agree this weekend is not a good idea.

OP posts:
Chocolatecake12 · 10/04/2020 08:11

I’ve read somewhere that it’s not allowed sadly. I think it was on a question and answer thing.

GerundTheBehemoth · 10/04/2020 08:13

My local council have confirmed that it is allowed (provided you walk to the beach of course).

SuperCraft · 10/04/2020 08:14

@Mitzdob I think that's a really sensible idea.

Original poster
Mitzdob · 10/04/2020 08:15

Maybe I should contact the council and ask for their advice?

OP posts:
Evennow · 10/04/2020 08:26

The police told wild swimmers in the Forth at Wardie (Edinburgh) to go home.

dottiedodah · 10/04/2020 08:29

Well the police are patrolling the sea front where we live (South Coast) so I imagine you would be told not to really .The problem is if one person is seen swimming ,then anyone who sees you would think its fine to do .And then it will mushroom with every man and his dog wanting to join in.Just what we are told is not what shoud happen! If your event goes ahead in September, then surely the other competitors are all in the same boat!

TyneTeas · 10/04/2020 08:29

I live near the coast and our local rescue services seem to have had an increase of well intentioned false alarms.

So even though you are unlikely to get into difficulty, a call could still be made

lljkk · 10/04/2020 19:40

It's not banned in the legislation.

I hate cold & salt water in the mouth so wouldn't get a lot out of it.

Wifeofbikerviking · 11/04/2020 08:16

@Chocolategirl79 yes, cornwall. I know I'm very lucky to be right by the beach here. And an estuary which is much quieter, there are little paths through the trees I can get access to the water where it seems no other people go.

I guess this is an opportunity to find little beautiful places close to home. Hope you're getting out somewhere too when its safe to?

Wifeofbikerviking · 11/04/2020 08:19

@mitzdob I'd check with police. It seems some forces have different rules. Most forces are quite active on facebook so you dont need to call them. Fingers crossed they say yes 🤞

Mummiepig · 11/04/2020 08:22

I live in a coastal area
It was on the local news 2 nights ago, sea swimming is NOT permitted
The police and the coastguard have made it very clear you must not enter the sea as exercise sorry

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