Swimming is a full body workout that requires significant cardiovascular fitness. Open water swimming is a potentially dangerous endeavor if you aren't prepared. Away from shore it isn’t easy to take a break if the body cramps up or extreme fatigue sets in. Hypothermia is also another risk for those who may not be acclimated to the not always warm temperatures of the Los Alamitos Bay. It is recommended that anyone entering the Naples Island Swim races spend some time training for their event beforehand.

For adults looking to get into swimming shape, training with a United States Masters Swim Team is the best bet. There are teams throughout Southern California and the entire United States that host daily workouts for all experience levels. To find more information on a club near you, check out the Southern Pacific Masters Swimming or United States Masters Swimming websites.

For the best local insight into the race and training, check out Swim Long Beach. With 3 possible training times at the Belmont Pool each week, they will get you in shape for the event!

There are also many spontaneous training swims that happen in the bay throughout the summer. You never know who you might run into on a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon. There is a 500-yard measured buoy line along the beach from 2nd Street along Bayshore Avenue to 54th Place that is regularly used as a swim lane, so just hop in!

Be sure to check the Aquatic Capital of America website for a current temperature reading from the Los Alamitos Bay to be sure you are prepared for the exposure.

Southern California Races to Help Prepare

For open water swimming, check the Southern Pacific Masters open water schedule