Safe Solo OWS?

Good question.

I used to be on the side of 'never, ever, ever'. But I think I've changed a bit...mostly because most of the people that die (anecdotally) from OWS are either smacked unconscious, or have a heart issue. For a single OWS'er, you won't be smacked unconscious, most likely. And if you have a heart issue, even if you have 3 experienced swimmers with you that can tow you back to shore, it most likely won't make any difference.

And to look at the aids...the swimsafe is a waist-strapped buoy, but doesn't guarantee it'll float you face-up. No help there. Unless you're wearing a class 2 or class 3 life preserver (coast guard approved, which will float you face-up) you're at risk alone, or in a group.

So at this point, me, personally, wouldn't have an issue with solo OWS.  It's a risky activity, but short of an EMT on a kayak within 3 ft of you the entire time, your odds are the same. My opinion, of course.  

thoughts on being "safer" while swimming in open water:

swim close to shore.  if you want, swim so close that you could stand if needed. you can practice longer las back and forth along shore.

go to a lake where they rent boats and bring a friend/significant other/parent to leisurely enjoy a nice paddle while you swim.  Guilt is a useful strategy- tell them you are going alone, but if they came you would feel safer- my parents have paddled along after me numerous times

of course, now, I swim straight out into the open water with nothing but a text message to my brother saying call the cops if he doesn't hear back from me in an hour.  

I half expected to get jumped all over for suggesting to swim solo. I'm happy to see my thinking at least aligned with a few of you. I think for the first time or two I'll just make sure I make many short out and backs.

Oh, and I'm from Wisconsin so the ocean does not come into play. However, if I were a polar bear I have Lake Michigan right down the road.

Thanks everyone!

I always take the girlfriend and wear a brightly colored swim cap. The swim cap is moreso to make sure the boaters in the lake I swim can see me, but also so the g/f can see my head bobbing and gliding across the water.  Again, the best she can do if I get in trouble is try to swim out to me...but more than likely having her there would just eliminate the need for the rescue divers to spend hours looking for my body...grim but probably true.  Even if she can get to me I am doubting her ability to swim well with my unconscious 160 lb body.

I agree with the above poster to an extent. If you take frequent breaks in the pool you may not be ready for an all out OWS.  If you have a shallow beach area to swim, that wouldnt be a bad idea if you have the option to stand up if needed.  Better to ease into it...imo

You really should be a stronger swimmer before trying an OWS solo, especially if there are no lifeguards nearby.

I regularly swim solo at a public, guarded beach.  I usually leave my gear bag at the one of the lifeguard stands and mention my plans to the lifeguard.  I swim parallel to the beach, only going out far enough to avoid the waders and floaters.  If I get tired, it's only a short paddle to shallow water.

Mark

If I can avoid it I don't do it. When I do solo OWS I go along the shore so I can stand up at anytime if I need to. 

 When we swim in groups we  keep an eye on each other, we generally stick together or if need be  stop and wait up... For me its not about being fast in OWS its more about working on the uninterupted distance ..I work on speed in the pool.

I know of some people that tow a swim noodle on a rope behind them. Not sure how much drag it creates but its surely an option.