A magical wonder of the world located off the East Coast of Australia; the Great Barrier Reef is something that everybody must see once in their lifetime, and in most cases, yes it is safe to swim there, assuming you have taken necessary precautions to ensure your safety! The following is a guide for you to follow when you are heading out to the Great Barrier Reef to swim and explore.
Never swim alone
The number one rule for anybody who is swimming in the sea, regardless of where you are, is to never swim alone. The chances of something bad happening to you are significantly decreased when you are swimming with a buddy, as they can keep an eye out for you and come to your aid if needed.
Take a guided tour if possible
The best way to explore the reef is to take a guided tour. The crew members are trained to navigate the reef, as well as care and guide all the passengers on the boat to ensure that they have the best time possible, while also being extremely safe. Most guided tours have strict protocols that must be followed and in-depth training in the case of an emergency.
Do not go in the water if you are not a strong swimmer
Again, like swimming anywhere in the world, the conditions of the ocean can rarely be predicted, and if you cannot swim, it is highly recommended that you do not attempt to swim in the Great Barrier Reef. The winds can reach up to 35 knots, therefore making some large waves, which even the best swimmer would struggle to overcome.
Wear a floating device provided to you by the crew
On all snorkelling/diving reef tours, you will have the option to use a safety belt that keeps you afloat. You tie it around your waist and while swimming around the reef you will remain floating. This is a great device to use if you are not an extremely strong swimmer, but still want to get out there and check it out!
Listen to the safety precautions
Before you head out for a swim in the reef, you will be briefed with some safety instructions from the crew member of the boat. It is vital that you listen to these, as there can be many incidents that occur that only the crew will know how to respond to correctly, so by listening to them, you are giving yourself the best chance at having a safe time.
Stay aware of your surroundings
While swimming in the ocean there is always the threat of marine life injuring you. When you are bitten by a fish, you step on a sharp piece of coral, or in the extremely rare case you have an encounter with a shark, you must ensure that you are aware of your surroundings, and always keep an eye out for any possible dangers that may be in the water beneath you.
