a dummies (thats me) guide to sea swimming...

Hi. I have done some training in the sea in this part of the world. As I live in Egypt I do some training in the Red Sea. I try and stick pretty close to safe areas...in Bays, around resorts, where people are, and generally in marked areas. The Red Sea is amazing, but can be unpredictable at times, I assume the Mediterranean (I swim in it on the N coast of Egypt) would be the same.
The biggest trouble I have here is the water is sooo salty, when you get some in your mouth it can really make for an uncomfortable swim and make you sick if you take in too much.

Enjoy your trip!
Kevin

I am going to Italy next week so I will be swimming in the Adriatic, probably along Ravenna the first week and then in Trieste (up north) the second. When it comes to open water swimming here at home, I do that mostly in rivers and lakes and am not at all used to seas and oceans. I tried the Atlantic a few times in South Carolina and Cape Cod but was terrified; seeing jaws back in the 70's ruined ocean swimming for me. However, the Adriatic is calm and not terribly dangerous, so I am okay there. As long as you stay in designated swimming areas, you should be okay.

swimming in the sea can take a bit of getting used to.. and sometimes sneaky waves can swap you unexpectedly, especially if you are breathing towrds the shore - which good idea otherwise you might breathe in a wave if the timing is wrong - this upsets the lungs ;-).

swim parallel to the beach, just beyond the break, as suggested before, take kinda "big" long, slow strokes and keep relaxed even if you get a bit buffeted.. try to go with the flow!

if you cant persuade someone to swim with you then perhaps get them to walk along the beach in case of problems. they could run back with you too?

as for running on sand.. take care if you are not used to it.. sand is pretty abrasive so you can end up with shredded tootsies - (i have first "foot" experience of this - ow!) running is soft sand is great for fitness though.

have a great beach hol.. dont forget sunscreen ;-)