Decide how long you are going to be in the sea for, then walk from your exit point up to where you plan to get in. This gives you a good view of any potential hazards. But swimming in the ocean could be one way to reconnect with nature – and ourselves, said cold water fan and extreme athlete Wim Hof. If you do become unwell with diarrhoea or any other symptoms, seek medical help and let them know you have been open water swimming. Do not swim again until you have had no diarrhoeal symptoms for at least 48 hours, or for a longer period if advised by a doctor. Information on bathing water and beach risks

Is there anybody else using the beach? Are there any boat users or creel pots in the water? Are the boats motorised or with sails? Blue-green algal blooms and scum are not always toxic. However, it is not possible to tell from their appearance whether they are harmful. At freshwater locations, the risk from blue-green algae is assessed and warning signs are displayed if a toxic bloom is confirmed. Children, farmers and pet owners should treat all blue-green algae with caution.

We Are Open!

Keep well hydrated - if you are doing lengths, keep a water bottle by the edge of the pool, and keep drinking. You might not realise how hot you are getting since the water keeps you cool. Open water swimming refers to swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea, rather than at a swimming pool. Without the confines of ropes and lanes it can be an invigorating experience. However, swimming in open water carries different risks to swimming in a pool. If you are struggling, remember to keep calm, face the shore and signal for help by raising one arm. The mental health boost we enjoy from being by the sea has a name - the Blue Mind. Marine biologist Wallace J Nichols, who coined the phrase, explained: "The term ‘blue mind’ describes the mildly meditative state we fall into when near, in, on, or underwater."

Walk from your exit point up to where you would like to start from. This enables you to take a good view and identify any hazards of the stretch of sea you would like to swim. As an open water swimmer, you are responsible for your own safety. Gathering information on potential risks and hazards is a gradual process – you can do this both prior to and upon arrival at your location. Amanda Evans agreed. "When I started swimming in the ocean, the connection to the open water helped me so much with my mental health, especially when I lost my mother. I love sea swimming so much because it makes me feel alive and at one with nature," said Evans. Don’t push yourself to the max to do more laps faster than you ever have before, or urge your child to master new skills like swimming the entire length of the pool on their own. And don’t push your limits just to show off or keep up with your friends and family. “Be honest with yourself about your swimming ability and don’t feel pressure to hide it from others if it’s not up to the level of others you’re swimming with,” Ramos says. “Overextending yourself to keep up with others can lead to trouble.” The breathing side of open swimming, and particularly the rhythm of breathing, is vital for concentration. The water temperature changes all the time, which is excellent for your circulation and immune system," said Evans, who has launched a new animated Sky Original TV series Obki, inspired by her love of sea swimming.Sea swimming is at the riskier end of the scale due to the ever-changing conditions. A location you may consider ‘safe’ to swim one day may not be the next. Open water swimming is intensely rewarding but comes with obvious risks," said qualified swimming coach Sarah Wiseman, who runs an open water swim school. Often one of the biggest insecurities when attempting swimming for the first time can be what you look like, but there really is no reason for it. Chances are, all those people you think are looking at you are more concerned about themselves.