Swimming with Your Apple Watch: Is it Safe and How to Do It?

Apple has emphasized producing water-resistant gadgets over the years, and its smartwatch is no exception. You can use the Apple Watch Series 1 while swimming in a pool or even in the shower. This Apple product expels the excess water that seeps in to prevent internal damage.

Did you recently buy the new Apple Watch 8? You might wonder, can I swim with my Apple Watch without water damage? Well, users can wear their Apple Watch during the swimming workout. You can also lock the smartwatch’s screen to prevent accidental taps from water droplets.

Apple Watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters because of their 5ATM rating. You can opt for shallow diving by wearing this watch. However, ensure not to go above the water-resistance rating. Otherwise, you can damage the Apple Watch, leading to costly repairs.

This water-resistance rating only applies to the Apple Watch 2 and the latest series. If you use any old Apple Watch model, don’t use them while swimming. 

Do you have an Apple Watch Ultra? It can withstand water pressure at 100 meters and is envisioned to be the best smartwatch. 

Now, let’s see how you can swim with Apple Watches:

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How to Swim With Your Apple Watch 2 or Newer Models?

From a freestyle across open water to swimming backstroke in a pool, Apple Watch is always swim-ready. However, you must first acknowledge the two modes before starting a swimming workout. In the Apple Watch 2 and newer series, you will get a Pool Swim and Open Water Swim option.

Use the “Pool Swim” function for laps in a low-depth swimming pool. If you want to swim in places like the ocean or lake, consider switching to “Open Water Swim” mode. The basic difference between these two modes is that Pool Swim doesn’t use GPS. Apple Watch only measures the distance you have covered when this mode is enabled.

However, your smartwatch’s Open Water Swim uses GPS and only shows the distance when you do a freestyle stroke. Thus, choose the right Apple Watch mode to get the required information. 

Now, follow these instructions to get the answer can I swim with my Apple Watch:

• Access the Apple Watch settings, tap on “Focus”, and select “Fitness”.
• Choose “When Starting a Workout” and scroll to Pool Swim or Open Water Swim.
• Choose either Pool Swim if the swimming pool’s water level is low.
• Navigate to “Open Water Swim” when swimming in a 100 meters lake or ocean.
• Tap anywhere on the screen to start the swimming workout with your Apple Watch.
• You can also tap the “More” button to set a calorie, time goal or distance.

Can You Check the Pool Length on Your Apple Watch?

Apple Watch users can set the pool length by turning on “Digital Crown” for Pool Swim. It ensures you get the accurate lap measure and distance you covered while swimming. 

Choose “Start” after setting the pool length and wait for a three-second countdown. If you want to skip the countdown, tap the Apple Watch screen immediately. You might have now acknowledged how can I swim with my Apple Watch Series 7. 

How to Pause and Resume Your Swim with Apple Watch?

You can manually pause your swimming workouts by pressing the smartwatch’s side button and Digital crown simultaneously. Press the Digital Crown and side button again when you want to restart your workout. 

How to View Your Swimming Workout Summary from Your Apple Watch?

Checking the progress while swimming is pretty easy from the Apple Watch 2 and the latest series. All you need to do is unlock the smartwatch and select “End”. The Apple Watch will display the kind of swimming strikes you use.

Additionally, you will get the total distance you swam wearing the Apple Watch. This next-generation watch also tracks your sets and total resting time. Besides, you can find the pace for each set in the workout summary on your iPhone. 

Read Also: Are Apple Watches Actually Water Proof?

How to Protect the Apple Watch from Water Damage when Swimming?

Apple included a Water Lock feature in the Watch 2 series or later to auto-lock the screen. This feature will enable when the watch’s activity monitor detects that you’re swimming. Besides, Apple Watch turns on “Water Lock” when you start a swimming workout or set a swimming mode.

However, this advanced Apple Watch feature is disabled by default. If you wish to enable Water Lock, follow these steps before you take a shower or go for a swim:

• Open the Apple Watch’s “Command Center” by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.
• Scroll up or down to the Command Center to locate “Digital Crown”.
• Look for the water drop icon from the next screen and tap it.

Your Apple Watch screen will stop responding to your swipes or taps. When you get out of the swiping pool, unlock the watch and rotate the screen. Your Apple Watch will generate a beep sound and discharge the water that might have penetrated the speakers. 

This high-end smartwatch will also expel any water that has seeped into the built-in mics. After clearing the water, your Apple Watch will reactivate the screen within a few seconds. Do you want to lock the Apple Watch 2 series again? Then, swipe right and select the “Water Lock” function.

How to View Swimming Splits and Sets on an Apple Watch?

Apple has integrated advanced technology to help users to view splits and sets while swimming. However, it would help if you first paired your Apple Watch with the iPhone. 

Access the Fitness app from the phone’s “App Library”. Head towards “Show More” when the next screen appears on the Watch screen. 

When you enable “Pool Swim”, it will automatically record your swimming splits and sets. However, the Open Water Swim function records only a user’s swimming splits, not the sets. 

Your Apple Watch divides the total swimming workout time by the distance you’ve covered. It calculates your resting time and swimming time to provide sets on the Pool Swim mode. Additionally, you can check the type of strokes you have done while swimming on the watch.

Here is the list of the swimming strokes an Apple Watch 2 series or later can detect:

• Mixed
• Kickboard
• Butterfly
• Breaststroke

Swimmers can also check their SWOLF score with their Apple Watch. Don’t know what a SWOLF score is? It is the exact stroke count that is measured in seconds to show users their swimming efficiency. You must swim one length of the pool to get your SWOLF score on display.

Helpful Guide: Get Rid of Scratches on Your Apple Watch Series 8

Can I Swim with My Apple Watch 6 Series without any Water Damage?

You can swim while wearing the Apple Watch Series 6 without damage from water droplets. However, this watch isn’t waterproof, and it only has resistance to water and dust. 

Users can also fail to get accurate heart rate measurements if water gets inside the sensor. Thus, ensure to clear the water from the watch while swimming so that it can detect your heart rate. 

How Long Can You Swim while Wearing the Apple Watch 2 Series or Later?

Apple claimed that their smartwatches could be submerged at water depths up to 1 meter for at least 30 minutes. But, this Apple device can survive even longer. You can use the Apple Watch when swimming at 50-100 meter depths. 

However, don’t use any substances like soapy water when in the pool or shower. It can wear out your Apple Watch’s water-resistant seals over time. You have to invest in a new smartwatch within one year or two. So, keep these details in mind and enjoy your swim with your Apple Watch.