When Captain Tim Johnson considers how best to advise an open water swimmer cross a channel, complete a circumnavigation, or compete in an open water swimming competition, he has a unique viewpoint on how best to plot a course.

The life-long swimmer and Professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston defines an open water swimmer as a self-contained marine vessel that is human powered with a top speed of approximately 3 mph with low visibility.

In flat water conditions, the swimmer can see his immediate surroundings, but relies on a herding strategy if swimming in a group and/or their coach if accompanied by an escort boat/kayak.

We will present more useful and unique perspectives from the author of History of Open-Water Marathon Swimming over the next several days.

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