Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a water lover, or seeking respite from the heat, taking a refreshing dip in a swimming pool is an excellent way to rejuvenate both body and mind. In South Africa, the options to do this are endless. From well-maintained community pools in all of the cities, to dams, rivers and the ocean, there are opportunities to practise your swimming techniques everywhere.
In this article, we will look at all the good reasons you should be in the pool, as well as tips for swimming techniques, how to correct your swimming stroke, and why swimming regularly is packed with benefits.
First, you will need to what facilities are available to you for swimming regularly.
Great Public Spaces to Make Swimming Regularly Easy
South Africa offers a plethora of fantastic public pools and swimming places for enthusiasts to enjoy. Here are ten notable options across the country:
Newton Park Swimming Pool
Port Elizabeth
This Olympic-sized pool is ideal for serious swimmers and offers excellent training facilities.
Sea Point Pavilion Swimming Pool
Cape Town
Located on the Atlantic Seaboard, the Sea Point Swimming pool in Cape Town provides stunning ocean views and a seawater pool experience.
Kings Park Swimming Pool
Durban
A popular spot for both casual and competitive swimmers with a 50-meter pool.
Ellis Park Swimming Pool
Johannesburg
Situated in the heart of the city, this pool offers a great escape from the urban bustle.
Moses Mabhida Stadium Pool
Durban
An infinity pool overlooking the iconic stadium and the ocean, providing a unique swimming experience.
Green Point Urban Park
Cape Town
Features an eco-friendly, heated pool surrounded by lush greenery.
Hemingways Casino Pool
East London
A stylish pool within a casino complex, perfect for relaxation after gaming.
Kimberley Big Hole Complex
Kimberley
Offers a historical swim in a former diamond-mining site.
Vaal River
Vanderbijlpark
For open-water enthusiasts, the Vaal River offers a picturesque natural swimming spot.
Silvermine Dam
Cape Town
An excellent location for practising swimming techniques and swimming regularly for both casual and serious swimmers.
These diverse options for swimming daily cater to swimmers of all levels and preferences, from tranquil surroundings to vibrant urban settings. Be sure to check their specific features and accessibility before planning your swim.
What’s Stopping You from Going Swimming?
What's preventing you from taking a dip in the pool? You may have many excuses and reservations swirling in your mind when it comes to carving out time for a new leisure activity. If so, this article is for you.
Find out how you can seamlessly integrate swimming regularly into your life, regardless of where you are. Maybe you could take inspiration from one of our local swimming champions?
For most people, the idea of embracing a new activity is enticing, with nothing to lose and everything to gain, yet so often it gets postponed to "tomorrow." When tomorrow finally arrives, the realisation of our busy lives and existing commitments dawns upon us, only to perpetuate the cycle. Today doesn't seem suitable, but surely tomorrow will be.
Fortunately, there is help for overcoming the mental barriers that stand between you and your new routine. Let's explore some of these options.
One of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between contemplation and action is by scheduling a day in the week for swimming regularly. By designating it as a future event, you'll dwell on it in the days leading up to it, solidifying your commitment and making it harder to back out when the day arrives. In addition, sharing the date with those in your life helps minimise the chances of unexpected obligations cropping up.
Leveraging psychology to reach your goals can be quite beneficial. For your inaugural pool visit, arrange to go with a friend. With someone else's time at stake, backing out doesn't just impact your own time but your friend's as well. The added bonus is that sharing the experience with a good friend can make it even more enjoyable.
As mentioned earlier, many of us are averse to letting ourselves down or disappointing friends, but when money is involved, it takes precedence. Consider investing in swimming-related gear, whether it's practical items like goggles or swimwear or more luxurious accessories like a waterproof watch or phone. Once you've made that initial expenditure, it nags at your conscience until you finally follow through and take it all for a swim.
If self-motivation is a challenge, you can use social pressure to your advantage by booking lessons to improve your swimming stroke and swimming techniques. This can be a clever life hack—once the lesson is scheduled, the fear of being tardy or flaking out often serves as a powerful motivator to push you to commit when you might otherwise find excuses.
Reasons You Should Be in the Pool
So, with your excuses out of the way, there are also reasons you should be in the pool. If you have decided that swimming daily is your goal, pools, especially if they are indoors, will assure you of a controlled environment. Regardless of the weather, you can be sure that the pool temperature and calm water will be in your favour. If you need to practise your swimming stroke or correct your swimming techniques, then pools are recommended over open water swimming.
Having said that, there are times when using the ocean will be your preference. When those occasions arise, make sure that you are well prepared for the unpredictable conditions delivered by Mother Nature.
Swimming Regularly in Open Water
To escape from the hustle and bustle of public swimming pools, you might be contemplating the serene embrace of the ocean waves at your local beach. It's a tempting notion, but before you make this your swimming haven, there are some important factors to consider. Here are some of the considerations that could shape your decision.
First and foremost, proximity matters. Not everyone is fortunate enough to dwell within a stone's throw of a beach, ocean, dam or river. This could make regular outings a luxury when it comes to time and expense.
Weather is a crucial consideration when it comes to the suitability of open-water swimming. of beach suitability for swimming. What may be an enjoyable dip on a balmy day can swiftly transform into a teeth-chattering ordeal during colder spells. If you're determined to brave the chillier waters, invest in a wetsuit to insulate yourself from the cold. If you are swimming in the Indian Ocean side of South Africa’s East Coast, temperature may be less of a consideration than the Atlantic on the West Coast.
Currents present a subtle yet potent threat to swimmers. Adding to this, visual and auditory cues can be deceptive, leading to misjudgement of ocean conditions. The lurking danger of an undercurrent, with varying water speeds beneath the surface, can catch even experienced swimmers off guard. Fortunately, beaches frequented by many people typically feature markers and symbols that warn swimmers about potential hazards. To embark on ocean swimming adventures, always familiarise yourself with these signs to ensure safety.
Tides are another dynamic to reckon with. While they may not significantly impact swimming on wide, open beaches, they can dramatically alter conditions when you're navigating around cliffs or accessing the water via a peninsula. Different regions exhibit varying tidal behaviours, so always take care to research the tidal patterns of your chosen location. Being tide-savvy is essential, not just for your safety but also to safeguard your belongings and beach gear from encroaching tides.
Company is an often-overlooked safety aspect. If you plan to venture into open waters beyond the reach of lifeguards or the general public, it's advisable to have at least one companion. Whether you are an experienced or novice swimmer, it is always wise to swim in open water with a buddy.
To learn more about artistic swimming, read our article, which explores this discipline.
Where do you prefer to go swimming?
The allure of swimming in the natural beauty of the ocean is undeniable, but it's a decision that warrants careful consideration. Proximity, weather, currents, tides, and safety in numbers all play vital roles in determining whether your local beach is an ideal swimming spot or not. By weighing these factors and taking necessary precautions, you can make informed choices and enjoy the serenity of ocean swimming while staying safe and well-prepared.
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