Ocean Swimming Tips: 10 Ways to Swim Safely in the Sea
Swimming in the sea is very different from swimming in a pool: no walls, no lane lines, changing water and weather. These ten tips help confident pool swimmers make the move safely.
Are you ready for the sea?
Open water is for swimmers who are already comfortable in a pool. As a guide, you should be able to swim continuously for well over the distance you plan to swim in the sea, tread water and float on your back to rest, all without panicking. If you are not there yet, build those skills in the pool first. Children and weak swimmers should only go into the sea with close adult supervision and a properly fitted life jacket.
1. Check the water quality
The National Environment Agency (NEA) monitors water quality at Singapore's popular recreational beaches, including East Coast Park and Sentosa's Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches. Besides an annual grade, NEA publishes weekly short-term water quality information, because bacteria levels can rise after heavy rain or with tides even at beaches graded "Good". Check NEA's website or the myENV app before you go.
2. Check the weather, and leave at the first sign of a storm
Singapore's thunderstorms can build quickly, especially in the afternoon. NEA advises against being in or near the sea during thunderstorms. Check the forecast, and get out of the water and off the beach as soon as you hear thunder or see lightning. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back.
3. Never swim alone
Always swim with a buddy, and tell someone on shore where you are going and when you will be back. Even strong pool swimmers can be caught out by cramp, a jellyfish sting or a sudden change in conditions. Joining an organised group swim with safety cover is a good way to start.
4. Swim only where swimming is allowed
Swim at beaches where swimming is permitted, follow signs and instructions, and stay away from areas with boats, jet skis or strong currents. Do not swim in reservoirs, canals or drains unless you are part of an organised, permitted activity.
5. Be visible
From a boat or the shore, a swimmer's head is very hard to see. Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and tow a bright inflatable swim buoy behind you. The buoy also gives you something to hold onto if you need a rest.
6. Stay close to shore and swim parallel to it
Swim along the shoreline rather than straight out to sea, so you can always reach land quickly. Pick a distance that is comfortable for you, and remember that coming back may be harder if you are swimming against the current or the wind.
7. Learn to sight
There are no lane lines in the sea, and most people drift off course. Every few strokes, lift your eyes just above the water to look at a fixed landmark, such as a building or a tree on the shore, then put your face back in and breathe to the side as normal. Practise this in the pool before you need it.
8. Be ready to breathe to both sides
Waves, wind and glare from the sun often make breathing to one side difficult. Being able to breathe to either side lets you breathe away from the waves. See our bilateral breathing guide, and switch to breaststroke for a few strokes if you need to look around and settle.
9. Know what to do if you get into trouble
- Stay calm and float. Roll onto your back, float and get your breath back. Raise an arm and shout to signal for help.
- If a current carries you out, do not swim straight against it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of it, then swim back in.
- If you get cramp, float, stretch the muscle gently and signal for help if it does not ease.
- In an emergency, call 995 for an SCDF ambulance.
10. Watch for jellyfish and protect your skin
NParks has advised visitors to East Coast Park who enter the water to cover exposed skin and take precautions against box jellyfish. A long-sleeved rash guard or a thin wetsuit top helps. If someone is stung by a box jellyfish, get help immediately and call 995. Use sunscreen on exposed skin, and drink water before and after your swim, because you can become dehydrated even while swimming.
Build your skills in the pool first
Most open-water skills, from sighting to treading water and floating on your back, can be practised in a pool. A coach can help you build the endurance and confidence you need. See our adult swimming course or private swimming course, read our front crawl tips, and review our water safety tips.
More in water safety
- Where to swim in SingaporePublic pools, family pools, condo pools and beaches
- 18 places for open water swimmingFrom Singapore's beaches to the world's great channels
- Singapore Life Saving Society certificationsLifesaving awards, Bronze Medallion and Pool Lifeguard Award
- Do you need to swim to snorkel?Skills to learn and safety tips
Sources
- National Environment Agency, Water quality at recreational beaches. NEA grades popular recreational beaches, including East Coast Park and Sentosa's Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches, and publishes weekly short-term water quality information.
- National Environment Agency, Lightning safety poster. Do not stay in or near the sea or swimming pools during thunderstorms; wait at least 30 minutes after thunder is last heard.
- National Parks Board, East Coast Park. Visitors entering the water are advised to cover exposed skin and take precautions against box jellyfish.
- Singapore Civil Defence Force, Emergency Medical Services. Call 995 for emergencies.
Want to build open-water confidence?
Tell us how you swim now and what you are training for. We will suggest a suitable course, format and pool to build your endurance and skills. Lessons run at public swimming complexes, private venues and condominium pools across Singapore.