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Key Takeaways

• Ocean swimming can provide a low-impact, full-body workout while supporting cardiovascular fitness, physical health, and mental well-being.
• Swimming in natural environments may offer additional psychological benefits by combining physical activity with exposure to nature and open water.
• Ocean swimmers must account for changing weather, tides, currents, and other conditions that make open-water swimming less predictable than swimming in a pool.
• Swimmers should avoid going alone, tell others about their plans, and learn how to respond safely to hazards such as rip currents.
• Cold-water swimmers should recognize signs of cold stress, including rapid breathing, shivering, and panic, and leave the water promptly when necessary.