From the Pool to Open Water: Building Safe, Confident Swimmers for Lakes, Rivers, and the Ocean
Open water swimming takes your pool skills into lakes, rivers, and the ocean, where there are no walls, lane lines, or pool floor to rely on. All swims take place on a marked course at Riverside Marina with kayak support on the water, so you can build confidence and skill in natural water with a clear route to follow and safety support close by. This program focuses on safety, confidence, and the practical skills needed to swim well in natural water conditions.
What you'll learn
- Sight and navigate in a straight line without lane lines or a pool floor to follow
- Stay calm and in control in deep water with limited visibility
- Adjust your stroke and breathing for waves, chop, and currents
- Handle mass starts, swimming in a pack, and drafting behind other swimmers
- Round buoys and turn efficiently without a wall
- Rest, reset, and self-rescue in open water without touching a wall or the bottom
- Understand open water safety, including conditions, water temperature, visibility, and when to signal for help
Who should apply
Adults (18+) who are already strong, confident pool swimmers and want to swim outside the pool. This includes swimmers who have completed Level 6 or Advanced Swimming & Water Mastery, triathletes, swimmers training for open water races, and anyone who wants to safely enjoy lakes, rivers, and the ocean. You must be able to complete every skill in the requirements below.
Where it leads
Open water swimming prepares you for triathlons, open water races and charity swims, and safe recreational swimming in lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Graduates leave with the confidence, endurance, and safety skills to handle natural water conditions, and a strong foundation for lifeguarding, distance swimming, and lifelong fitness.
Swim schedule (Sundays, April–November, on a marked course at Riverside Marina)
- 7:00–9:00 AM: experienced swimmers and long swims
- 8:00–9:00 AM: beginner swimmers and short swims
Cost
- 60-minute swim (8:00–9:00 AM): $20 per swim/ $75 per month
- 2-hour swim (7:00–9:00 AM): $35 per swim/ $120 per month
All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Weather disclaimer
Open water conditions and weather are unpredictable. Swims may be shortened, delayed, or canceled at the coach's discretion due to weather, water quality, or safety concerns, sometimes with little notice. No refunds or credits will be given for swims that are shortened, delayed, or canceled for weather or safety reasons.
Open Water Swim Requirements
All skills must be completed in deep water. To participate, you must be able to:
Swimming skills
- Swim freestyle 400 yards continuously without stopping
- Swim comfortably in water where you cannot touch the bottom
- Perform freestyle side-breathing comfortably for multiple laps
Endurance and fitness
- Complete a total pool workout of at least 1,200 meters/yards within an hour
- Maintain a steady, aerobic pace for 15+ minutes without severe exhaustion
- Breathe comfortably on both sides (bilateral breathing), or show clear comfort with rhythmic side-breathing without swallowing water
- Tread water or float for at least 2 minutes without a flotation aid or touching a wall
Psychological and safety readiness
- Swim with zero panic or anxiety in water where you cannot touch the bottom or see the pool floor
- Clear leaky or foggy goggles while treading water in the deep end without grabbing the lane line or wall
What to bring to every practice
- Proper open water swim attire, including wetsuit if applicable
- Well-fitted goggles (tinted or mirrored lenses help in bright sun)
- Brightly colored swim cap so you are easy to spot in the water
- Towel
- Water (we recommend skipping sugary sports drinks)
Good to know
Open water swimming is strenuous and conditions can change quickly. Always swim with a group or under supervision, and never swim open water alone. Medical forms will be sent after you register. No photos, videos, or recordings are allowed without prior written consent from management.
Next steps
Submit your application below. Accepted swimmers will hear from the program coach with placement, payment, and schedule details.