Previously we have talked about the best activities for a beach vacation, one of them is swimming. Swimming in the sea is extremely fulfilling and refreshing. But with that, it also comes with some risk factors. After all, you are doing an activity in nature that can change unexpectedly. If you haven't been swimming in the sea or any open-water in general, here are some things that you'll have to consider before going for that refreshing dip in the sea.

Preparation

Get to know about the beach before you go. Aim to swim at a lifeguarded beach, even if you are going there in a group since lifeguards are generally more acquainted with the terrain and properly trained to handle emergencies. It is also a good idea to check the weather forecast before you go. The best time for open-water swimming for a beginner is during the day with clear/sunny weather. Avoid swimming in the sea when it is cloudy or if it's just stopped raining.

Upon arrival

When you arrive at the beach, take your time to observe the beach's condition while you prepare. Look at how the sea is behaving in general. Take notes of the waves and tides, what beach type it is; sandy, rocky, or maybe muddy. These are important to make sure that your swimming skill is appropriate enough.

You also have to observe people's activities around the beach and locate any potential obstacles. See if anybody else is using the beach and if there are any boat users around. Rocks and any hard structures can be a potential danger when you are swimming in the sea, so try to spot their locations and try to avoid them while swimming. If this seems like a lot to take in, don't hesitate to ask the lifeguard about the best spot to swim.

Start swimming

Before you start entering the water, make sure that you know the signs located both on the beach and on the water. Most of the beaches that allow you to swim will have various signs to let you know where is the safe area for swimming. Assuming this is your first time swimming in the sea, it is better to stay in a safe area where there are less current and tide.

If you're still not completely sure about your skill, there is no shame in wearing safety gear like a life jacket and swim floats. Apply the appropriate sun-cream to protect your skin, drink water, and warm-up before you start to dip into the sea.

Those are some of the tips for you who want to swim in the sea for the first time. Bintan Island has numerous beautiful beaches that can be a great spot for open-water swimming. One of them is Lagoi Beach which is one of the locations for the annual Indofood IRONMAN 70.3 Bintan and Bintan Triathlon.