My absolute favourite activity of summer is lake swimming. Nothing beats an early morning swim on a calm lake, without any walls to flip turn off. It’s something I hope everyone who loves swimming can try in their lifetime. Before head to the lake for this magical event, here’s some per-cautions you may want to take note off.
1. Don’t dive in. Unless you have a crystal clear view of the bottom and have done a swim to verify the depth, don’t dive head-first into unknown waters. Even familiar waters can change with water levels/storms/seasons.
2. Find a safe swim zone. If you’re on a lake with motorboats, know where the buoys are or where to avoid a motorboat going into you. If available, swim next to someone kayaking/canoeing/paddleboating.
3. Most Ontario lakes I’ve swam in were fine but checking in to find out about water quality is wise. E coli, swimmer’s itch or leeches can put a real damper on your swim.
4. Have someone at the dock to watch you. If it’s a nice day, there will likely always be someone hanging out at the dock anyway. It’s not too much a task for someone. While a certified lifeguard is best, someone to call for help is better than no one.
5. Know your swimming ability before you set out on your swim. Swimming in a lake is harder than a pool. There can be a strong current at any moment, uneven water depths, and obstructions to be aware of. Find a distance and area to suit your comfort zone and you’ll have a fun and safe swim!