open water swimming

Open water swimming is the practice of swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or oceans, outside of a traditional pool setting. It involves covering long distances in unpredictable conditions, where factors like water temperature, currents, waves, and weather can vary. Athletes often train and compete in open water events such as triathlons or marathon swims. It requires strong endurance, navigation skills, and awareness of safety protocols due to the lack of pool-specific features like lane markings and controlled environment. Open water swimming emphasizes adaptability, resilience, and respect for natural elements.