I collected all my must-have and nice-to-have items that make a more enjoyable swimming day at my local lakes. Safety comes first, and after that, I consider items that will add comfort or fun. Here’s what to take.
After that, you’ll see this week’s countdown to 150 minutes of exercise.
Safety priorities for swimming in lakes
- Bright swim buoy (tow float) for visibility to boats and others
- Whistle (attachable to buoy or wrist) in case of emergency
- Swim cap in a bright color for visibility
- Well-fitting goggles to protect eyes
- Simple first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes)
- Water shoes to protect feet from sharp rocks or debris
- Check for water advisories such as the current algae bloom warnings in many areas of Greater Victoria
Comfort for a few hours at the beach
- Camp chair
- Beach towel
- Warm cover-up for post-swim reading or whatever
- Jug of water
- Sunscreen (water-resistant, broad spectrum)
- Rash guard – stretchy shirt that reduces chafing
- Bright bag for keys and phone, that’s easy to keep an eye on from in the water
Exercise additions
- Swim or hand fins
- Floatie dumbbells to swim with and allow a longer workout
- Apple Watch and silicone band
- Snorkel to practice
My packing list – long version
Swimwear
- Swim booties or paddling boots, to keep sand out – use thin plastic bags as socks if booties are tight
- Or water-friendly flip flops (but not sandals with too many straps that trap
sand against your skin) - Bikini, with rash guard (stretchy top that prevents chafing if wearing a PFD like I do)
- Or wetsuit if water is cool
- Apple Watch with silicone band and bumper case
- Neoprene gloves, optional depending on water temperature
- Go-pro with floatie so it doesn’t sink, and head strap or other body mounts
Essential safety gear
- Sunglasses – the cheap enough kind that don’t need careful handling; prescription glasses stay in vehicle
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray if near evening hours
- PFD
Comfort, depending on post-swim activities
- Water jug
- Cover up shirt and shorts/pants
- Beach towel
- Small hand towel to dry feet and ensure sand is removed
- Flip flops to get from vehicle to beach and back again
- Sun visor for beach afterwards
- Bag of snacks
- Camp chair
Countdown to 150 minutes of physical activity:
Total only 50 minutes due to illness again
I’ve been sick for another week, as I mentioned in my last post. I got a few random outings to go shopping so walking and carrying things home was the extent of it.
Last Saturday: 20 minutes walking
I walked to the nearest grocer to get a little extra food. Then nothing but a few more days of rest, no exercise.
Tuesday: 30 minutes walking
I walked here and there for local errands. It was 23 degrees Celcius. A little more groceries and some household items. I got familiar with my local stores again! It was so strange after being home sick for so long.
