As a swimmer, the important thing is you’re aware of the differences between swimming in the pool and the ocean. While the sea is inherently less safe, that doesn’t mean it should be avoided; becoming a strong swimmer in the pool, understanding the risks and knowing your ability will all contribute to having a safe and fun experience in the ocean this summer! Just as there are differences in mental preparation for pool and open water swimming, physical preparation also changes based on the athlete’s goals. In the same way that the training for each pool distance is unique, training for open water races also varies based on distance.