General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Volunteering as a "Swim Buddy" Rss Feed  
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2012-04-01 4:27 PM

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Master
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Subject: Volunteering as a "Swim Buddy"

I am considering volunteering for a local race. I was reading through the race listing and noticed that one of the volunteer slots was "swim buddy". I'm a decent swimmer (and was a lifeguard in high school and college) but I don't know what would be expected of me. I'm planning on emailing the race director but wanted to see if any BTers have volunteered to do something similar. What was your experience? Would you volunteer in this position again?

 



2012-04-01 4:34 PM
in reply to: #4123416

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Volunteering as a "Swim Buddy"
I've not been a "Swim Buddy" but I have availed of one for a tri.

I had a bad tri experience, got pulled out of the water into an emergency boat - I'm not a comfortable swimmer to start with, so that completely turned me off. I was afraid to do another open water swim. Really truly afraid.

So when a local tri offered swim angels, I thought I'd give it a go.

Here's how it went for me -
I met my swim angel before the race. She had a completely different swim cap color so I could find her. We started at the BOP and she swam on the side I breathe best. Whenever I got a little freaked, she was there - about 5 feet to my side. She kept me on the course (either with verbal direction or once she tapped my shoulder when I was way off). She kept encouraging me. I could hear her when I breathed but also, whenever I popped up, she talked to me.

It was a real gift for me.

Of course, I haven't been back in the water since. Last year was my year of the illness. This year is my year of the run. But someday, I will get back in the water, and having a swim buddy would be huge.
2012-04-01 6:16 PM
in reply to: #4123416

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Coach
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Subject: RE: Volunteering as a "Swim Buddy"
Swim buddying sounds fun!
2012-04-01 6:22 PM
in reply to: #4123416

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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: Volunteering as a "Swim Buddy"

I've been a swim angel before. I really enjoyed the experience.

I did a lot of treading water, which is not a problem since I can tread water for a long time and feel no fatigue. I verbally encouraged her a lot. I also watched her carefully - you don't want to become a pile-on if/when someone panics. She didn't panic but I was always ready to react if her anxiety level shot up.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It was very rewarding to watch her finish the swim after hearing her doubt herself several times during the swim. I was really proud of her for overcoming her fears and doubts.

I should add: I am completely at ease in open water. Rolling water, choppy water, doesn't matter. I don't panic in the water, even when I get slapped in the face by a wave. I've swam in salt water without goggles, so losing my goggles wouldn't bother me. You need to be resilient and strong, physically and mentally, before signing up to help someone else.



Edited by Renee 2012-04-01 6:28 PM
2012-04-01 6:25 PM
in reply to: #4123416

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Master
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Subject: RE: Volunteering as a "Swim Buddy"
Thank you for the swimmer perspective. ^^
2012-04-01 9:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Volunteering as a "Swim Buddy"
Wow, I've never heard of this, but it sounds like fun. (as an ex swim instructor/ lifeguard.). I wonder if any tris around me do this.


2012-04-01 10:29 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Volunteering as a "Swim Buddy"

This must be fate. I haven't been on BT in quite a while. This is the first thread I have read in probably a year. Well, Jezzie, I lead the Swim Buddies in San Diego. The next race I will lead will be the Spring Sprint in May.

To Be a Swim Buddy, you don't need to be fast, just confident and encouraging. Most of the time the swimmers can do the distance, they just panic in open water in race conditions. Our job is simply to just let them know they are not alone. Once they get over that fear, they are fine. All of the races have lifeguards, so that is not your job. I have found that I actually enjoy being a Swim Buddy more than I do racing and I am confident that you will get as much out of it as I have over the years.

 Good luck with your race season and I hope to see you out at one of the San Diego races.

Tom

2012-04-02 9:49 AM
in reply to: #4123416

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Subject: RE: Volunteering as a "Swim Buddy"
I was a swim angel in the Danskin triathlon one year.  It was very rewarding and I'd do it again.  I was instructed to just swim next to the individual and encourage them.  I could give them a noodle if they needed it, but I was NOT there to save them if they got into trouble.  They had lifeguards on hand for that.  The lady I was assigned to swam very slow, so I just did a side stroke the whole time and my head was above the water the whole time.  Very interesting perspective to see all that goes on in a swim.
2012-04-02 3:05 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Volunteering as a "Swim Buddy"

Wow, if you are comforatble in the water, you should go for it.  Sounds like a very rewarding adventure.  With that, I'm off to find out how I can be a swim buddy/angel.

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Volunteering as a "Swim Buddy" Rss Feed