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Open Water Swimming


This page is intended to aggregate all information related to Open Water Swimming in Potomac Valley. Links, or suggested content are welcome to be sent to the PVS Open Water Coordinator, Christine Haslem.


General Information

Open Water swimming reached a new level of international exposure by becoming an official event at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Open Water swimming presents a unique set of challenges to swimmers. There are no lane lines, walls, or starting blocks to dictate what it takes to win. The elements often play a deciding role in determining the winner of an Open Water event. The unpredictable conditions also make it possible for women and men to compete alongside one another. Many people are excited to get involved in Open Water swimming, either for a new twist on training or to take advantage of the expanding competitive opportunities.


Open Water Safety

Open Water Swimmingis far different than pool swimming. Learning to swim safely in Open Water is vital for even accomplished pool swimmers!

Open Water Safety Study - May 2018 (Safe Kids Worldwide>


Links to Resources from USA Swimming

USA Swimming - Open Water Swimming Page

USA Swimming - Open Water Meet Management

USA Swimming - Open Water National Team