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Swimming in open water has become increasingly popular since it became an Olympic event in 2008. People all over the world take to the outdoors in a lake, ocean or other body of water. In addition to swimming in their own space and at their own pace, open water swimmers feel a great sense of achievement. They can see the distance they are swimming and it’s a greater challenge than the controlled environment of a pool. Adjusting to the cold temperatures of open water is both a physical and mental challenge, since the heat loss from skin can be up to 70 times greater than air of equal temperature.
Open water swimming is a relaxing yet exhilarating experience that offers many health benefits. For instance, scientists have proven that being immersed in cold water three times a week increases your white blood counts, which boosts your immune system. It’s also great for weight loss, since you burn about 200 more calories per hour in cold water than in warm water.
While open water swimming can certainly be enjoyed wherever there is open water, there are some fantastic organized swims all over the world. Here are some very popular swims:
Megan loves to combine open water swims with her vacations. She has participated in organized open water swims for the past ten years, mostly in the Caribbean. Last year Megan had one of her favorite open water swim vacations in Australia and New Zealand. She met several new friends there and hopes to return next year.
Although it’s an exhilarating experience, open water swimming carries more risks than swimming in a pool. Probably the greatest risk has to do with water temperature, as swimming in cold water can lead to hypothermia or cold shock, which can be very serious. Water temperature can also be too warm and can lead to hyperthermia, which is an equally serious situation. Another risk factor is the unpredictability of the body of water, as open water generally has limited visibility, currents or tides, and uncertain depth and drop-offs. It’s hard to perceive distance from the shore as well.
That’s why Megan came to Good Neighbor- to protect herself in the event of a swimming illness or accident.
Bacteria is another risk related to open water swimming. According to a report from the CDC, untreated recreational waters were connected to 140 disease outbreaks that caused around 5,000 illnesses between 2000 and 2014. Another recent report from Environment America found that 2,600 of about 4,500 U.S. beach sites analyzed clocked bacteria levels above EPA thresholds for safe swimming on at least one day of 2018. The EPA estimates that when people swim in such waters, 32 out of every 1,000 are likely to get sick.
Open water swimming insurance plans can protect you in the event of illness or accident. In addition to ensuring you have proper medical coverage, good open water swimming insurance plans offer medical evacuation and other specialized care that may be needed when you are swimming.
Megan’s sister has a friend who once became critically ill from a bacterial disease from swimming in open water. Her friend wasn’t covered by medical insurance at the time and his lengthy illness was financially devastating. So Megan always buys a good open water swimming insurance policy before she leaves for vacation.
Megan was insured when she received treatment for hypothermia a few years ago and didn’t suffer unnecessary financial loss. Be like Megan and protect yourself with an open water swimming insurance plan today. Get started by selecting one of the featured plans below or by getting a quote now.
We've got the right plan for you, whether you're swimming in Australia or the UK. Simply click "Get Quote" or "Buy Online" to get started with your customized trekking insurance plan.
Good Neighbor Insurance is committed to protecting people whether they’re swimming in the Caribbean or climbing Mount Everest. With Good Neighbor Insurance you’re not just getting an insurance plan, you’re getting peace of mind with a neighbor on your side at work protecting you. Even when you buy online, dedicated expert insurance agents will track your policy to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need when you swim, no matter where you go or what you plan to do.
MedJet Emergency Evacuation Plan- Short Term
Trawick Safe Travels Team Sports Insurance
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