Lynne Cox has set open water swimming records across the world, and now she has focused decades-long experience and expertise into this definitive guide to open water swimming. Cox methodically addresses what is needed to succeed at and enjoy open water swimming, including everything from choosing the right bathing suit and sunscreen, to surviving in dangerous weather conditions, currents, and waves, to confronting various marine organisms and first aid tips in treating ailments, among them being stung or bitten. Cox called upon Navy SEAL training materials and instructors? knowledge of open water swimming and safety procedures to guide her research and includes as well, first hand anecdotes from SEAL specialists, and stories of Cox?s own experiences that serve as both warnings and proper practices to adopt. Open Water Survival Manual provides a wealth of knowledge for all swimmers, for seasoned triathletes and expert swimmers to novices exploring open water swimming. It is the first manual of its kind to make use of oceanography, marine biology, and to weave throughout stories about the successes and failures of other athletes giving us a deeper, broader understanding of the exhilarating sport of open water swimming.