Having owned a house near the ocean for a few years, I have often seen people swimming farther out than I would feel comfortable doing. I wanted to teach my kids about swimming safety to make sure they stay out of danger. So, I did quite a bit of research and decided to share my findings with you.
How far you can safely swim out into the ocean depends on the current conditions, the location, and your swimming ability. If you are an untrained swimmer, the safest approach is to stay in waist-deep water and use a flotation device. Follow any posted rules to determine how far out is appropriate.
If you do decide to swim far out in the ocean, please consider wearing a good life jacket with a whistle, like these popular ones found on Amazon.
The rest of this article will detail basic safety guidelines, and address frequently asked questions about swimming in the ocean.
Safety guidelines
The best way to have a safe experience in the ocean is to swim on a guarded beach. This is especially true if you have children. The lifeguards will rope off a secure area designated for swimming and will whistle a swimmer in if they venture out too far.
If you find yourself on an unguarded beach wading into waist-deep water or staying close to shore is generally safe as long as the conditions are calm. If you want to swim out further, use a flotation device or flippers as an additional safety precaution. A type 3 life jacket (Click to see popular brands on Amazon) best is generally best for swimming while a type 5 is usually good enough if you are doing an activity like paddleboarding.
Regardless of safety equipment, it is highly recommended that you never swim alone on an unprotected beach.
Does Location Matter?
Location is a crucial component when deciding to enter the water. Swimming near rocks or quick-moving currents can have catastrophic results. Always check to make sure there are no restrictions where you plan to swim.
Research the location online, so you know what to expect before arriving. Most beaches have detailed guidelines of what is acceptable and whether or not lifeguards are on duty.
Does the Time-of-Day Matter?
Daytime is the safest time to swim. Low tide can be safer if the water between the sand bar and shore is calm and flat. It is also easier to see what the conditions of the ocean are during daylight hours. Lifeguards are on the beach during the day, adding another layer of safety.
When Is It Safest to Swim and When Is It Most Dangerous?
The safest time to swim is during the day when the ocean is flat and lifeguards are on duty. The most dangerous times are at night and when the surf is rough. It is also safer to swim when the water temperatures are warmer.
Is It Safe to Swim in the Ocean at Sunrise?
Swimming at sunrise is safe if you take the proper precautions. Wearing flippers or a pull behind flotation device while swimming will make swimming at sunrise safer. Always bring a friend and check the conditions before heading to the beach. Swimming at dawn can be a refreshing exercise session if safety is the priority.
Is It Safe to Swim in the Ocean at Night?
Swimming in the ocean at night is not safe. It’s very easy to lose perspective at night and unintentionally swim out to sea instead of back to shore. Darkness makes it harder to identify dangerous waves and currents along with potential obstructions in the water. Lastly, predators are more active under the veil of darkness, increasing your chances of ending up as a meal.
When Are Waves Most Dangerous?
The most dangerous waves are from storm surges. Powerful waves from the extreme energy of a storm create hazardous rip currents and powerful undertows. Strong currents can be present right at the water’s edge dragging unsuspecting victims into the rough surf. It is best to avoid the ocean during or immediately after a storm.
How to Avoid Dangerous Waves or Currents
The best way to avoid dangerous conditions in the ocean is to be aware of the environment you’ll be swimming in.
- Check weather and tide conditions before heading to the beach. Local news and weather websites will post warnings when the potential for dangerous rip tides and surf conditions are present.
- Before entering the water, look for swift-moving currents or swirls in the water, which could indicate a riptide. Swim on guarded beaches and never swim alone.
Swimming in the ocean can be relaxing and, at the same time, great exercise. Being prepared and knowledgeable about the beaches you intend to swim at will give you the greatest chance of having a safe and enjoyable trip. Use the guidelines and frequently asked questions listed above as a reference before heading out for a swim in the ocean.
Pro Tip: Getting a safety whistle is a good idea for anyone that wants to swim. This is especially true if you like to go far out. I recommended getting one like this one, found on Amazon.
Bottom Line
A day at the beach should be a fun activity that avoids unnecessary risks as much as possible. However, going a bit out of your comfort zone is fun sometimes. Even so, you should at least know what you are getting into before you swim out far away from the shore.
I hope this article has helped shed some light on the subject for you. Thanks for reading!
For more, check out 10 Best Places to Practice Bushcraft and Survival Skills.
Jim James is a published author and expert on the outdoors and survivalism. Through avid research and hands-on experience, he has gained expertise on a wide variety of topics. His time spent at college taught him to become really good at figuring out answers to common problems. Often through extensive trial and error, Jim has continued to learn and increase his knowledge of a vast array of topics related to firearms, hunting, fishing, medical topics, cooking, games/gaming, and other subjects too numerous to name.
Jim has been teaching people a wide variety of survivalism topics for over five years and has a lifetime of experience fishing, camping, general survivalism, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up, he often spent more time on the water than on land! He has degrees in History, Anthropology, and Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He extensively studied Southern History, nutrition, geopolitics, the Cold War, and nuclear policy strategies and safety as well as numerous other topics related to the content on survivalfreedom.com.