Subject: RE: homemade open water swim float...? Safety first, if you don't feel safe swimming, you shouldn't be out swimming, and don't expect the lifeguard to make a difference.Even when there's a lifeguard I wouldn't expect him to save you life. Likely he sees you and other OWS swimmers out their doing your thing and has his attention to kids playing with beach balls etc. and if you feel the need to bring a swim float then IMHO I think you shouldn't go out.
Rather than swimming with a float or hoping the lifeguard will see if you're in trouble, don't go further out than you can stand, in particular if swimming "alone". Swim closer to the shore where you can stand, being able to stand, rest and walk in is much better than holding on to some float and hope that somebody will get you. Early morning and late afternoon when there's not a lot of people anyway and wind normally settles, so there will be less waves. Hence, swimming closer to the shore should be just fine.
All that said, AFAIK there are floating devices available for OWS. |