OWS Solo?

I don't know what others do, but I've found myself in a similar situation. 

I got a short length of rope (nylon I think...it's the stuff that floats) and tied one end loosely around my ankle and the other went through a hole in a pool noodle. Then, I go swimming and drag the noodle around with me. It's a little annoying...but I'm willing to put up with it given that it could save my life.

Interested to see what others say. 

Holy crap...4 of us posted at the same time.

I forgot to mention that I do stay pretty close to shore. Just far enough to make swimming comfortable.

yup. i feel like the more of a scene that is created on the water, the more attention it draws and beckons boaters to come check it out. the sail boats are bad about that where i swim.  i would have sworn i saw a guy get creamed by a 40ft sail boat one day, but it actually passed between two swimmers i was with who were no more than 30ft apart.

Video is obnoxious, but this is an option.

http://www.ishof.org/safety/ssd.htm

I'm also one of those who swims alone, but because I have an ideal situation:
-  Lake - I would never swim alone in the ocean.
-  Swimming area - sectioned off by buoys and boats stay far away on the other side
-  Usually someone there anyway, it's a pretty popular spot, everyone who swims on a lake pretty much starts at the same ten-feet entry area and there's a huge tri community here.

My RoadID never leaves my wrist.

Ditto on what Deb said. I'm a strong swimmer, but I would only do OWS "alone" if it was a lake (no current), motorboat-free or sectioned off swim area (it's hard to swim and look out for boats at the same time), and others were around, not necessarily swimming but rowing, fishing, camping, or whatever. I always make sure to wear a bright colored swim cap. If possible, I station Mom (in a bright colored shirt) on dock or shore so I can use her for sighting. She's a non-swimmer but hopefully she could get others to help in an emergency. If I truly had to do OWS solo, I'd carry some kind of flotation device in the event of an emergency. Still wouldn't do it unless it was absolutely necessary.

If it's not a familiar locale (sometimes I bring a wetsuit and swim on vacation) then I try to find a local at the lake (or ask at an outdoor store) and ask if people swim there and if there are any hazards I need to look out for. Have actually met fellow triathletes this way.

OWS with others just gives you a false sense of security...c'mon - we run into eachother all the time because we can't see 2 feet in front of us.  Then we get spread out because of pacing and probably would never even hear if someone was screaming for help. Do you think anyone doing doing a workout is going to notice you missing within the tiny time period it will take you to disappear?  Seems unlikely.  And as pointed out, I can swim forever by myself but if I did notice a friend drowning I don't know how I'd keep both of us afloat..my only hope would be to scream for help and hope like heck there are motorized boats around to hear me.

I'll OWS out to the middle of whatever body of water I'm near by myself (not ocean or one of the great lakes, though ) using the bright, floaty thing in the link above.  I hope the boaters are sober enough to see it, and I wear a whistle around my neck, tucked into my wetsuit just in case. 

Bought this after cramping on a swim by myself.  Still didn't feel super comfortable and can't always fit into the local tri club schedule, so I bought a kayak, now everything is just perfect.  Chica paddles, I swim, then I paddle she swims.  Plus, now have a kayak for day/multi-day trips, winning on all levels.

Don't do it!

OK, I do it all the time.  Life is risky.  We get in a metal suicide box with wheels every day to go to work and never think twice about it.  It's about the risks that one finds acceptable.  I find solo OWS an acceptable risk.  Like your underwear....it's up to ya

I'll only OWS alone at a friend's lake house who has a pretty long alcove where boats just aren't allowed. The Bart idea sounds like the best and most amusing idea I've heard yet. It'll be like a Thanksgiving day parade in open water.