Swimming with Lifeguard Class in the sea , together with swimming in lakes and rivers (therefore also called open water swimming ), includes swimming activities with Lifeguard Class that take place in open water .
It is an extremely fascinating discipline, also given the unpredictability of the natural element in which it is practiced . To be able to carry out it safely , it is important to know and respect various elements
To find out,
we interviewed Cecilia Canneva , a former athlete of the junior swimming team and always a passionate swimmer. Cecilia has won several podiums at national level over the years, as a sprinter, in the freestyle, butterfly and dolphin specialties and this year a Gold at the World Freediving Endurance Championships. She has practiced triathlons for a year.
First of all, it is good to know that, although open water swimming is the oldest method practiced (compared to swimming in the pool, of course), only in recent years has it been included in the program of the European Championships, then the World Championships and finally the Olympics. Thanks to triathlon , of which it is the first specialty practiced (immediately after there is the bike and then the race), the popularity has grown. From the point of view of the competitive discipline there are four categories: middle-country swimming (up to 5 km), cross-country swimming (up to 15 km), long-distance swimming (up to 25 km) and marathon (over 25 km).
We enter, with Cecilia, immediately in the heart of the discipline.
Difficulty, equipment for swimming in the sea
“There are several problems that must be faced with swimming in the sea, such as the difficulty in maintaining a course, the temperature of the water, the currents and the rough sea, breathing and agitation. For this reason I recommend, to those who want to approach this discipline, to start training in the pool and then to approach the sea gradually in the summer , when the storms are less frequent, the water is warmer and the sea is more frequented ”advises Cecilia.
Furthermore it is good to take care of your diet : before entering the water you must eat lightly and wait at least two hours before diving.
As for the equipment it is good to get a pair of goggles or a mask (the latter to be preferred for beginners) to protect the eyes from salt but also for example from jellyfish. A cloth or silicone cap which guarantees comfort and safety (long hair that is not well gathered can disturb breathing); from October to May a specific wetsuit (generally the swimming ones have thinner inserts in the areas around the neck under the armpits and in the groin area); finally a costume . Only approved costumes can be used in the competition. Long up to the ankles called “costumoni”. Today it is also mandatory to be provided with a signaling buoy to be tied at the waist according to a recent order of the harbor master’s office. Even if you swim within 200 meters from the shore.
Swimming technique, tips
From a technical point of view swimming in the pool and swimming in the sea are completely different . First of all, the most evident thing is that in swimming in the pool it is sufficient to follow the lines present in the pool to have a direction. Which does not happen in the open sea. During competitions directional buoys are used to help keep the course and which must be kept under control. During training however it is advisable to check where you are going every two strokes and to keep reference points. Not to be overlooked are the currents present even when the sea on the surface is flat and the waves. When the sea is rough it is advisable to breathe with your face turned towards the shore.
As I said the technique
In open water swimming differs from that in the pool. In the pool the legs are used a lot. Especially in short distances, from 50 to 400 meters they provide support and are used to push forward. At sea on the other hand to optimize the available energy. They are used only as a support, as the quadriceps is one of the muscles that consumes the most. Furthermore, the stroke is shortened instead of fetching water with the hand as far as possible as happens in the pool in the sea the movement is reduced both to avoid shoulder and neck fatigue and to reduce energy consumption .
During the competitions
There is always a canoe assistance that follows the athletes. There is no shortage of supply points and a jury, which, among other things, based on the weather conditions. Decides whether or not to start the performance and eventually stop it. During training, on the other hand. You must act responsibly and carefully evaluate the conditions of the sea the weather your well-being and your limits . I also recommend to always go in the water at least in two to avoid any problems (such as cramps, frequent especially in the toes.
I suggest to avoid irritation
Due to salt but also from the continuous rubbing with the costume. To apply petroleum jelly in the groin area neck and armpits. It is good to get out of the water and try to warm up as soon as you feel numbness or cold in the fingers and toes the risk of hypothermia. If you do not swim below 20 ° is minimal. But it is good not to neglect the signals it sends us our body. If you drink water during the act of breathing, it is a good idea to try to keep the respiratory tract as high as possible with respect to the surface of the water, for example by turning on your stomach.
For swimming in the sea, like when you go to the mountains , the most important advice I can give is to always listen to yourself “.
