Another open water swimming season is upon us. It’s a swim season quite different from others, as many swimmers who otherwise spend the cold months in pools have not been in the water for months. Others have likely already been swimming for weeks or months braving the cold temperatures.
As the ocean waters warm and as pools remain closed or restrict access, the call of your nearest pond or beach is strong. Being immersed in water with nature surrounding you is enticing. The question then becomes, how should swimmers approach open water swimming in the time of COVID?
My personal opinion is to embrace the ocean with caveats. You can’t stay isolated forever. There are proven psychological, physical and overall health benefits to remaining active and in the ocean.
That said, there are risks in and out of the water that you have to personally weigh. A researcher at Scripps Oceanography is suggesting sea spray can spread virus particles (LA Times April 2020). COVID or no COVID, it’s always important to swim with a companion. This should take priority, just maintain a healthy distance from each other while in the water. It’s likely the greatest risk is pre- and post-swim socializing, where you want to be extra mindful. This is the hardest part because we’ve isolated from each other for so long and by nature we as humans are drawn to each other. As a practical matter, arrive and depart as early as your circadian rhythm will allow.
For these reasons, it would be a ton of fun to continue gathering on the weekends at Nantasket Beach. That said, you have to take an approach that you’re comfortable with and that you believe will not put others at risk. I’d love to get your thoughts as well.
Crusty Barnacles 
I got inspired seeing a group in the water early this morning at Sandy Beach. It certainly will take a while before I’m anywhere near swimming shape again! Is the parking lot in Nantasket still on lockdown?
I believe the nantasket lots are open based on surf cam.
Wow, this is well written. And your woman always told me with some reservation and acceptance, you weren’t that smaht! Ha! I disagree.
I’m thinking, man.
Sent from mobile phone 7814242881
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She’s right if she told you my intelligence left something (or perhaps a lot) to be desired. And i can’t confirm that this post wasn’t not not written and/or inspired at least partially by someone else and or plagiarized other than any typos of which there are a couple which are in fact mine.
Hi All,
The ocean is calling and you must answer.
I would encourage everyone to swim. We all know how good it is for us physically and now more than ever, its mental relief is needed.
When and if you socialize- practice social distancing if speaking without a mask on whether its pre or post swim.
Hope to see some of you soon – that ocean needs to warm a bit before I get in, but I have swam in the Cape and it was great. No sharks – YET!
Sending good vibes to all,
Maggi
Good Evening
I look forward to swimming with the group this year. Currently there are a lot of jellyfish in the bay, how about the ocean?
Awesome to hear. There are a few jellies in the ocean but EZ to spot. From personal experience this week after one brushed against my shoulder, the stinging sensation goes away entirely after about 15-20 minutes.