Dive into the Open Water: Sea Swimming Sessions At Juhu Novotel Beach

Indian Lifesaving Society (ILS) and OceanRangersOWS! Transitioning from the pool to the open water is an exhilarating step that requires a new set of skills and a high level of safety awareness.

​Here are some short notes and key takeaways to help you prepare for your enrollment and your first few sessions.

​1. Safety First: The Golden Rules

​Open water is dynamic. Unlike a pool, you are dealing with currents, tides, and varying visibility.

​Never Swim Alone: Always swim with the group and stay within the sight of the safety kayakers or lifeguards.

​The Safety Buoy: This is your best friend. It provides visibility to boats and a resting point if you get tired or cramp up.

​Acclimatization: Enter the water slowly. Let your body adjust to the temperature to avoid "cold water shock."

​2. Essential Gear Checklist

​Make sure you have the following ready for your first session:

​Bright Swim Cap: High-visibility colors (neon orange, pink, or green) are mandatory for safety.

​Towing Float/Buoy: Standard equipment for OceanRangersOWS  AND ILS sessions.

​Anti-Chafe Balm: Essential for neck and underarms, especially if using a wetsuit or swimming in salt water.

​Polarized Goggles: Helps cut the glare of the sun on the water surface.

​3. Core Skills to Practice

​Your ILS instructors will likely focus on these specific open water techniques:

​Sighting: Lifting your eyes (not your whole head) to look for landmarks or buoys to ensure you are swimming in a straight line.

​Treading Water: Mastering the "eggbeater" kick to stay upright without using too much energy.

​Drafting: Learning to swim closely behind or beside another swimmer to save energy.

​4. Understanding the Environment

​Tides & Currents: Listen closely to the pre-swim briefing. The coaches will explain which way the water is moving.

​Marine Life: Generally, most marine life stays away from splashes, but stay calm and follow coach instructions if you see anything.

​Hydration: Salt water can dehydrate you quickly. Drink plenty of fresh water before and after your session.

​Helpful Tips for Your First Day

​Arrive Early: Use the time to scout the entry and exit points.

​Focus on Breath: If you feel anxious, slow down and focus on rhythmic exhalation into the water.

​Ask Questions: The ILS and OceanRangers teams are experts—don’t hesitate to clarify safety signals.