1. Never Take the Plunge Alone
People who compete in triathlons have to prepare for open water swims, since very few triathlon swims are conducted in pools. There are a number of differences between swimming in a pool and swimming in open water like a lake or an ocean that must be learned. The first rule about open water swimming is that it should never be done alone--always swim with a partner when going into a lake or ocean.
2. Take a Lesson From Geometry
We all learned in geometry that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. It's fairly easy to swim in a straight line in a pool because the lanes are marked, but in an open water swim it's more difficult. First, you'll have to choose a fixed marker to set your sights on so you don't veer off course. You'll also have to practice lifting your head forward to sight every five strokes or so. If you don't practice, this action can throw off your rhythm on race day.
3. Know the Type of Water You're Swimming in
Practice in the type of water you'll be swimming in for the swim leg of the triathlon. Although this isn't always practical, it's a good idea to try to take at least one day to practice in a lake, bay, ocean or any other body of water you'll be swimming in on race day. This way things like waves or muddy water won't come as a surprise during the event.
4. Warm Up Before the Swim
Take time to warm up before the swim. The open water swim is the first leg of the triathlon, so you'll want to warm up before you take the plunge when the race begins. It's best to get in the water for a few minutes, but if that's not practical you can warm up on the beach by doing a short run.
5. Plan to Pace Yourself
Pace yourself. Open water swims tend to start out fast, so you won't be able to do a slow build-up like you can when you're practicing in a pool. However, you can mentally break the swim into parts using buoys or other markers and have some idea on how fast you want to finish each section. Getting to the race spot early is a good idea--it will give you time to do some planning for your open swim.
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