To use your Apple Watch in the water, particularly for tracking swimming, you typically use the built-in Workout app, which automatically engages a water lock feature to prevent accidental taps.
Using your Apple Watch for water-based activities like swimming is straightforward and allows you to track metrics such as laps and distance. The process primarily involves selecting the appropriate swim workout type in the Workout app.
Starting a Swim Workout
Here are the steps based on the Apple Watch functionality for starting a swim workout:
- Go to the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
- Turn the Digital Crown to scroll through the workout options and select either Open Water Swim or Pool Swim.
- For Pool Swim workouts, you will need to set the pool length. Turn the Digital Crown to adjust the length, then tap Start.
Once the swim workout begins, your Apple Watch automatically activates the Water Lock feature. This feature locks the screen to prevent accidental input from water splashes.
Ending a Swim Workout
When you have finished your swim session, you need to manually end the workout and disengage the Water Lock:
- When you're finished, press and hold the Digital Crown (the rotating button on the side of the watch) to unlock your Apple Watch and clear water from the speaker.
- Tap End.
- Tap End Workout to confirm and save your session data.
Understanding Swim Workout Types
Your Apple Watch offers specific workout types optimized for different swimming environments:
| Workout Type | Description | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Pool Swim | Designed for swimming in a pool. | Requires setting pool length for accurate tracking. |
| Open Water Swim | Designed for swimming in open water (lakes, oceans, rivers). | Uses GPS to track distance. |
Choosing the correct workout type ensures the most accurate tracking of your activity.
Important Considerations
- Water Resistance: Apple Watch models have different water resistance ratings. Most recent models are rated water resistant up to 50 meters, suitable for activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, water resistance is not a permanent condition and may decrease over time.
- After Your Swim: After finishing your swim, it's a good practice to rinse your Apple Watch with fresh water and dry it thoroughly to remove any chlorine or saltwater residue.
- Water Ejection: Holding down the Digital Crown at the end of a swim workout not only unlocks the watch but also plays a series of tones that eject any water that might have entered the speaker cavity.
By following these steps, you can effectively use your Apple Watch to track your swimming activities.
