General Information
Before your race, hop in the water and make sure you spend enough time getting a proper warm-up before you begin your race.
No one can anticipate changing ocean currents, rip currents, sudden storms, or other hidden dangers. In the event that something does go wrong, please wave your hands to attract attention of the lifeguards.
If you do find yourself caught in a current, do not panic and do not fight the current. Try to swim parallel to the shore until you are able to get out of the current, which is usually a narrow channel of water. Gradually try to make your way back to shore as you do so. If you are unable to swim away from the current, stay calm and float with the current. The current will usually slow down, and then you can continue the race or swim to shore if you feel uncomfortable.
Expect to be challenged. Transitioning to open water from a pool is a huge endeavor. Set goals, make adjustments to your stroke, and overcome your fears. Remember that this is a process, and no matter how advanced a swimmer you are in the pool, you should expect to take it down a few notches once you leave the warm water and friendly restrictions of lane lines in that pool.
It is compulsory to wear the floatation buoy during the race.
Navigation in open water requires more effort than in swimming pool. Stay close to the lane ropes to prevent yourself from swimming off course. When in difficulty, swim to the nearest buoy or wave your hands, there will be life guard in kayak ready to assist you. If you see fellow swimmers in difficulty, help to wave hand to attract attention of the lifeguards.