Swimming in the ocean is definitely my thing. There is nothing more refreshing than walking slowly into the salt water. I usually swim about a mile per day and usually not all at once but I do try to make it as far as I can. It is a really good chance that you will see me swimming if you are either at Plymouth Long Beach (nick named Burt’s Beach) or White Horse Beach. If you are like me (hopefully not) then you will prefer not to wear protective gear when swimming. Most swimmers do at least wear some kind of eye protection. There is an advantage to wearing eye goggles when the water is clear. They give you the ability to see the wonderful world below the water’s surface. While swimming you will notice most of the sea life in and around the rock beds (the dark creepy places that most try to avoid swimming over)
Myself, I don’t like anything uncomfortable or restricting while I am swimming. My bathing suit is the only thing that I swim with and to me that is too much. On a side note, though, I am considering wearing a shark bracelet – all the hype has made me a little nervous too.
Keep in mind that swimming out deep is very dangerous and is also prohibited. Nothing captures the lifeguards attention more that this. You will notice that even if you look to be a very good swimmer and are far out you will be whistled to come in closer to the shore. It is also a good idea to stay vigilant of any sea life and not to approach larger size animals and creatures like seals and jelly fish. After all, the seals attract the sharks. They are their main food source.
Swimming at Plymouth Beach
If you’re a swimmer then you will enjoy the relatively calm surf that Plymouth Beach can provide. The beach is protected by 5 jetties and the land masses that surround it. Looking out to the right is rocky hill point and the land mass to the left is the Gurnet point with the lighthouse on top. Is a matter of fact the granite extends all the way to the closest point that you can see on the left. The land mass that you see behind the Gurnet is called Saquish. This connects Plymouth to Duxbury directly. When the weather conditions are not favorable the water can get rough and produce large waves with undertows. Always use caution. Be mindful of the power of the ocean. It has the ability to toss a large adult around like a small dish rag in an industrial clothes washer. Keep a constant watch on children and anyone that is swimming, wadding, or near the water. The water temperature is perfect from late July until late September (usually about 78 degrees Fahrenheit ). If you are like me perfect is 72 degrees plus or minus 5 degrees. Yes if the conditions are right I like it at 65 degrees – just so refreshing. The last 2 summers have had many summer days with water temps in the 80s.
Swimming at White Horse Beach
Swimming at White Horse Beach is a different experience than Plymouth Beach. Although calm and clear days that lack wind is even less frequent at White Horse beach, it can sometimes provide amazing conditions for a swimmer. The surface of the water can become as smooth as glass. Most of the time there may only be small to medium waves that are easy to glide right over. The temperature of the water is similar to the temp of Plymouth Beach.