Coastal Signs Lead To Questions
Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California. Most humans see this sign and turn away from the shore without a second thought. Their decision is the wisest, most prudent thing to do.
In contrast, many experienced adventurous open water swimmers, like their open water brethren surfers, immediately think the following while considering the possibilities:
1. Where are the rocks? How many? How large?
2. Is there another access point? Can I swim (surf) around them?
3. Can I see them exposed at low tide? Can I swim (surf) around them?
4. How strong are the rip tides and currents? Do they always run?
5. How cold is the water?
6. Are there any marine life or kelp?
7. Out past the rocks, what are the water conditions?
8. Is it safe to swim in a group or with a kayaker?
Signs were posted just south of La Selva Beach on Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz County, California.
Copyright © 2015 by World Open Water Swimming Association
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.
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