Continuing with the text published by Open Water Swimming , we list five more difficulties that open water swimmers may encounter. Remembering that this does not mean that you can always suffer these risks, but that you must be prepared for what lies ahead with Lifeguard recertification near me.

In the first part we show five challenges: urban runoff, pollution, injuries, panic and muscle cramps or pulls, which can be faced and can make a test difficult to perform. Here are five more risks you should be aware of in an open water test.

1. Jellyfish/Jellyfish stings 

Jellyfish or jellyfish stings will undoubtedly hurt. Stings can come out of nowhere and are always a surprise. Plus, they can be surprising – even for someone who has never experienced it before.

If you are allergic to bee stings or other types of venom, this can become a dangerous situation. Similar to the other situations, if you feel like you might get into real trouble very quickly, stop swimming, look up, wave your hands above your head, and yell in the direction of someone who can immediately come to your aid.

2. Marine vessel mishaps

In some very unfortunate situations, sailors, windsurfers, jet skiers, kite surfers and surfers collide with swimmers and can cause serious injury. These mishaps can and should be avoided, but accidents do happen. To avoid these situations, open water swimmers should avoid areas where boaters, windsurfers, and surfers dominate the open body of water. High-speed boaters often don't see swimmers in open water, especially those who are far from shore or without a shiny swimming cap or something like a colorful float.

But if you find yourself in an area where there are boaters, make sure you always hear a boat's propeller. In a large number of cases, you should be able to hear the boat's engine. In these cases, stop and keep an eye on the boat. Let it pass and then continue swimming. Don't assume the boat will see you and avoid you. This is the biggest mistake an open water swimmer can make. It is YOUR personal responsibility to avoid the boat.

3. Hypothermia

Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature caused by prolonged exposure to cold water, especially when combined with cold winds or pronounced fatigue. Know your limits. Do not be influenced by others or forced to swim in places that are too cold for your current skills or acclimatization level.

f you are concerned about the water temperature, be sure to swim in a wetsuit, swim close to shore or with an escort boat, kayak or paddler, wear ear plugs or two swim caps (which can be a wetsuit), or a wetsuit. Some experienced marathon swimmers may have personal issues with people wearing wetsuits or two swimming caps, but better safe than sorry.

Acclimatization to cooler water temperatures is a slow process and can take months or even years in the case of extreme water temperatures. Be patient and your dedication will result in much better acclimatization to cooler water temperatures.



4. Hyperthermia

Hypothermia is dangerous – and so is hyperthermia. Hypothermia is when you get very cold; hyperthermia is when you get too hot. Both can be equally dangerous – and both can happen if you ignore the obvious warning signs. Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature resulting from very hot water and climates, especially under clear skies and occasionally complicated by dehydration.

There are varying degrees of severity, starting with heat edema with swelling of the hands and feet. Heat stroke is a medical emergency with the potential for profound confusion, loss of coordination, hallucinations, and coma, typically with a core body temperature greater than 40°C. Between these two extremes, there are intermediate degrees of severity, including (in order): heat, heat cramps and heat exhaustion.

5. Shark Encounters

The most feared hazard in the ocean is sharks. If you suddenly see a shark in the open ocean, try to breathe deeply and slowly (always easier said than done). Focus on staying calm if possible and try to keep an eye on the shark's movements.

Go back to swimming and get to shore as fast and as best as you can. If your feeling of panic is too great, stop waving your hands above your head and yell in the direction of someone who can come to your aid. Your anxiety will be picked up by the shark – who may just swim away and not care.

Try to stay horizontal while watching the shark circle, but then go to the vertical position and extend your arms and legs as far as you can. According to experienced shark divers, you should look as big as possible in the water when a shark is swimming nearby. But rest assured, this risk is extremely low and is the best reason to always swim in proper attire of the American Lifeguard Training USA.