Before swimming
- Do not swim alone.
- Get familiar with the situation, e.g. the coastline, sea level, sea temperature, tides, wind strength and wind direction before you go into the sea.
- Be sure to eat before going into the sea.
- Wear a swim cap in a bold color (e.g. orange, yellow, neon green).
- Go slowly into the sea and give you body time to get used to the cold.
- Do not start swimming until you are breathing normally.
- Swim preferably in daylight so that you are visible. If it's an evening swim it is important to be close to land because it is difficult to detect swimmers who are further away.
While swimming
- Do not swim alone.
- Think about your own safety.
- Stay close to land. Swim along the beach for security reasons. Streams can be unpredictable.
- Breathe slowly.
- Watch each other. Speak to each other regularly to monitor each other well-being and consciousness.
- Never swim under the ice.
- Those with no or less experience should spend a short time in the sea for the first time and stay only with experienced sea swimmers.
- You share the sea with all the other water sports enthusiasts.
- The risk of hypothermia and emaciation is high. Don´t take any chances - you have to be able to get back on you own.
- Listen to you body´s messages.
- In case of hypothermia, call the emergency line 112.
After swimming
- Dry yourself thorougly before putting on you clothes.
- Drink water.
- Eat something nutritious.
- Put on some warm clothes before you go home.
- Cold skin is easily injured, which is why it´s importand to be careful when coming from the sea.