SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/swim-open-water-sighting

What is sighting in open water swimming?

Looking ahead to find a marker that keeps you on course.

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  1. Looking at your watch
  2. Looking ahead to find a marker ✔
  3. Squeezing goggles tighter

Why: Open water has no lane lines or black line to follow. Sighting means looking ahead during your swim to find a marker, like a tree or landmark, to guide you.

Huh, didn't know that: You can practice sighting in a pool by looking for a spot on the wall at the end of your lane.

The dad joke
Why did the open water swimmer keep looking up? To keep the shore in sight.
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References

Answer: Looking ahead to find a marker. Open water has no lane lines or black line to follow. Sighting means looking ahead during your swim to find a marker, like a tree or landmark, to guide you.

  1. U.S. Masters Swimming: Open Water Swimming Tips www.usms.org/fitness-and-training/articles-and-videos/articles/open-water-swimming-tips
    This just means practicing looking ahead during your swim to find a marker in the distance to guide you.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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