As the summer comes to an end, thousands of people want to get in and participate in an open water swim.

Some may be less experienced, overweight and under-trained. And usually more motivated to simply make the swim from start to finish rather than aiming for an award or being competitive.

In those cases, stand to the back or stand to the side at the start. Allow the Alpha Dogs and competitive types to bully themselves at the chaotic start and around the first few buoys.

Take your time getting in and casually get into your own rhythm in your own space without the Alpha Dogs clawing at your legs or smashing into you.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and the last swim.

Photo above shows the Waikiki Roughwater Swim on Oahu in Hawaii. Video shows the King and Queen of the Sea in Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Copyright © 2012 by Open Water Source