The swimmers are difficult to see for sailboats or other larger vessels that are also out on the water, says Anders Myrhøj, who is coastal lifesaving manager at Trygfonden’s Coastal Rescue.
– There are lots that pull in the water, and they are really hard to spot – also for our lifeguards, says Anders Myrhøj.
– People like to swim quite far out from the shore in the hope of being able to train in peace. Out there, there are other users, such as jet skis, rowboats and sailboats, that one can come across, he warns.
– Then some dangerous situations can arise.
He says that currently there are also more swimmers who train up to competitions, and this provides increased traffic in the water.
Some sea swimmers cross harbor entrances where there is a lot of traffic.
– It’s a bit like walking over the pedestrian crossing, where you have to look out for before moving into it. It has been close to direct sailings recently, says Anders Myrhøj.
Therefore, swimmers should draw attention to themselves with colorful swimwear.
– Like sea buoys that have very visible colors, it’s about being seen, and you do not do that if you are completely graphite gray or black, as 98 percent of all wetsuits are.
He emphasizes that sailors also have a responsibility to avoid the dangerous situations, but that it can be difficult to see the swimmers out in the water.
Anders Myrhøj also encourages people to contact the lifeguards before taking a dip in the water to draw attention to themselves.
Thus, lifeguards have better chances of keeping an eye on potentially dangerous situations.