So you're ready to get out there and do some open water swimming to prepare for your next triathlon? Before you go dipping into your local body of water, keep these tips in mind:

1. Never swim alone. For safety purposes, always swim with a group or bring along a friend. Given the unknown elements, a dangerous situation may arise such as fog, currents, boats, etc. where you will be in much better shape with others around.

2. Adjust to cold water. If the water you are training in is cold, below 66 degrees fahrenheit, be prepared. Wetsuits are necessary. Wearing a swim cap and earplugs can help keep your head warm. Get in the water slowly and only get in for 5-20 minutes the first time out, gradually increasing your time in the water with each swim.

4. Upon exit of your cold water swim, drink warm fluids, take off your wetsuit, and dress warmly.

3. On sunny days, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before getting in (especially for those with light skin!).

4. Be careful of the fog. It is easy to get lost in foggy weather and lose sight of the shore.

5. Watch the seaweed. If you are ocean swimming and come across seaweed, stay high in the water and do not kick. The seaweed can wrap around you if your legs are kicking.

6. Never swim in a lightning storm.

7. Open water swimming can cause chaffing. Use petroleum jelly if this is a problem.

8. Goggle color. Use dark lenses on sunny days, blue lenses on cloudy days.

Open water swimming can be challenging, but for many it is FUN and a nice change from "following the black line" at the bottom of the pool. Enjoy, and remember, "when in doubt, get out."

Kevin coaches masters and triathlete swimmers in San Diego, CA. He operates the website http://www.TriSwimCoach.com, a resource for future or current triathletes needing help with the swim. The site features a free email newsletter offering tips and articles on triathlon swimming. Kevin has also written an electronic book titled “The Complete Guide to Triathlon Swimming” which is sold on his website http://www.triswimcoach.com in downloadable form. | Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

• Entering the water: run from the beach into the water with your knees high to avoid catching water. When your leg starts to catch on the follow-through, go into “porpoise” with your head down and arms extended
• Sighting and navigation: sighting should be incorporated into your breathing action so you do not break your stroke. Lift your head just slightly to clear your eyes from the water. Then get your head down as quickly as possible.
• Changing direction: when rounding a buoy, watch for other swimmers approaching from other angles. If you pull across your body with the inside arm when you round the buoy, you will turn more easily and effectively.
• Running on soft sand: Run on the balls of your feet. Run lightly so you don’t sink too low in the sand.

• Practice in open water is important, it is very different from swimming in a pool. For one, you need to “sight”, lift your head to see where you’re going. Test the waters before your race as well
• Practice your sighting - look for objects on shore like trees of buildings. Before your race, figure out where your land markers are. You’ll also be looking for the orange markers or buoys placed in the water for the event.
• Have faith in your training and your stroke, you will panic less
• Follow the kicking bubbles from the swimmers in front of you. If your land markers are far away, you’ll be able to spot the kicking bubbles much more easily until you get closer to your land markers.
• Learn bilateral breathing, breathing on both sides. This will enable you to swim straighter.
• At the start, you may find it easier to avoid the crowds and position yourself to either side of the starting line.

• Open Water Swim Tips
• Guide to Safe Ocean Water Swimming
• Tri-Newbies Online

If you've never done a triathlon before and don't know where to get started, Triathlete Eric Harr can help you. He went from having no exercise routine to training for a triathlon - and enjoying it.

He shares secrets he learned - including ways to save time and money that are especially helpful for someone who already leads a busy lifestyle.

Think you can't do a triathlon? Think again!

• How to stretch and strengthen your body
• How to get the right gear without blowing your budget
• Putting together your training program
• Become faster while making training easier
• The best fuel to help your body perform better
• How to avoid injuries
• Click here >> Triathlon Training Tips

Click here >> Basic Swimming Techniques

Swimming Stroke and Technique Articles:

• The Different Kinds of Swimmming Strokes
• Swimming Strength Training Tips
• Swimming and Sports Related Exercises
• The Best Cardio Exercises
• What is a Good Swimming Workout Routine?
• How to Train for Swimming in an Ironman Triathlon
• Open Water Swimming Tips
• Swimming & Bilateral Breathing
• Swimming & Freestyle Breathing
• Interval Training for Distance Swimming
• How to Get Into Shape for Swimming