Are swimmers too risk averse?

♥️🏊‍♀️🧜‍♀️

If you grew up in the 70s and 80s, you might remember the scary stories about open water - mysterious undercurrents waiting to drag you under, even in the calmest lake.

That fear still shapes much safety advice today. Never swim alone. Only swim where there are lifeguards. Stay out or rough or fast moving water.

It’s the right message for beginners. But for experienced swimmers? Skiers don’t stick to beginner slopes forever. Skilled climbers seek tougher routes. So why should capable swimmers avoid more challenging conditions?

I'm not arguing for a reckless anything-goes approach but using your judgement to assess risk based on your current abilities and fitness, and the potential consequences if something goes wrong.