Triathlon Swim
The swim is probably the toughest leg of the triathlon. Following the suggestions below will give you the basics on safe and effective workouts as well as tips on how to be successful in an actual event.

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• Practice Distance: Most triathletes have the toughest time with swimming and they get in a bit over their head. Be sure you can swim at least 100 yards further than the distance of your race before you participate in your first triathlon. Group swimming is very different than lane swimming and open water has currents, waves and no lines on the ground to follow; so you end up swimming further than you think.
• Stroke Efficiency: It is a proven fact that the swimmer with the lesser amount of arm strokes is more efficient, swims faster and has more left over energy for the rest of the triathlon. If you make a lot of splash and find yourself taking an extraordinary amount of strokes from one end of the pool to the other while practicing, consider working with a coach to learn techniques on elongating your stroke and making it more efficient. There is a fantastic book and video that can also help: Total Immersion Swimming: Perpetual Motion Freestyle in Ten Lessons. It will be the best move you've ever made, and it will make the swim much more enjoyable!
• Safety: Never swim alone while training. It is dangerous and no one will be able to help you if you become disabled. If you are training in the ocean or lake, train with a buddy. If you are in a pool, be sure there is a lifeguard or buddy on the deck keeping an eye out for you. On the day of the race, if you are not 100% confident in your swimming skills, ask the registration people for a "Novice Swim Cap". This swim cap is a different color than the rest and will distinguish you while you are swimming. Specifically, the lifeguards will keep a special eye on you. See Race Day: The Morning of Your Arrival for more info on this.
• Best Beginner Training Advice from TriathaNewbie.com: Do not start with a workout that is too hard or you will be disappointed at the end of every practice -- you should feel a sense of accomplishment, not discouragement. See Triathlon Training Resource Guides for training guides. See Training/Results to learn how to keep track of your training.
• Brick Training: Brick training is incorporating two disciplines in one workout. For instance, you complete a swim workout and immediately start a bike workout. Learn why this will prepare you both mentally and physically for your race.
• Avoid Bad Posture: Be sure that your body is aligned properly. Think of yourself as a see-saw. Your back should be relaxed, but straight from head to toe. The front end should be slightly lower than the back end, giving you the feeling of swimming slightly downhill. In addition, your shoulders should not be concave or arched in any way; they should be comfortably lined up with eachother.
• Terrain: You can focus your training in whatever body of water is available to you (pool, lake, pond, etc...) BUT plan on partially training in the body of water in which the the event is being held or you will have a big surprise on race day. Again, pool training is very different than ocean training!
• Stretching and Cramps: Stretch out a bit before you get into the pool, do a short warm up and then do a second round of stretching. Loose, warm muscles respond much better to exercise than those that have been sitting stiffly behind a computer all day. The main reason for cramps is normally dehydration, so drink lots of water.
• Music: Believe it or not, there is technology that will allow you to listen your your favorite music while you're swimmimg: FINIS SwiMP3.1G Waterproof MP3 Player. (You can't use it while you're racing though!)
• Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a must for training outdoors. At this point EVERYONE knows the risks of sun damage.
• H2O: Be sure to re hydrate when you have finished swimming. Water is a great source as well as the power drinks sold at your local markets. The replenishing of carbs and electrolytes are the main advantages that power drinks have over water.