The term "open water" in swimming competitions refers to races that take place in natural bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, or rivers, as opposed to traditional pool settings. Open water swimming challenges athletes with variable water conditions, including currents, waves, and temperature changes, making it a unique discipline within the sport. The distances often vary, with events typically ranging from 5 kilometers to 25 kilometers. Open water swimming has grown in popularity, especially in competitions like the Olympics.