Prepare now for Lake Argyle event

Excitement is building ahead of the Lake Argyle Swim on May 2 and participants are likely to start stepping away from the pool and diving into the Ord River.

Swapping the black line at the bottom of the pool for open water can reinvigorate training and prepare swimmers for the open fresh water on the day.

Organiser Glenn Taylor gave some tips on how to adapt to open-water swimming when making the change:

·If you can swim half the distance in a pool without making U-turns, which are physically difficult, then you can probably cover twice the distance in open water.

·If in doubt, start off swimming close to the edge or where you can stand up.

·Relax and swim on your back if you get tired, because you will not be able to stand.

·Practise treading water in the deep end of a swimming pool for one or two minutes.

·Practise stopping suddenly to communicate with others, re- adjust your goggles, or have a look around.

·Feel comfortable swimming breaststroke as an alternative to freestyle.

·Know how to look around while swimming by lifting your head and aiming for the right direction.

·Practise coughing into the water to expel gulps of water you might accidentally breathe in on the day.

·Prepare yourself for the change - the comfort of a pool where you can see the bottom and deep water with waves and wind are completely different.

·Test your goggles in the pool first, and do not tighten them too much because it will cause them to leak.

The Lake Argyle Swim will be held on May 2, with individuals, pairs and teams taking part.