Can I Swim With My Apple Watch 9 Safely?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Smartwatches

If you’re considering taking your Apple Watch 9 along for a swim, you’re not alone. With its sleek design and impressive array of health and fitness features, the Apple Watch 9 has quickly become a favorite companion for many active users. But when it comes to water exposure, especially swimming, questions about durability and functionality naturally arise. Can this latest model keep up with your aquatic adventures without missing a beat?

Swimming with a smartwatch requires more than just water resistance—it demands confidence that the device can handle prolonged exposure to water, pressure changes, and even the chemicals in pools. As the Apple Watch continues to evolve, each new iteration brings improvements in waterproofing and swim tracking capabilities. Understanding what the Apple Watch 9 offers in this regard can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right gear for your swimming sessions.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the Apple Watch 9’s water resistance features, how it performs during swimming workouts, and important considerations to keep in mind before diving in. Whether you’re a casual swimmer or training for a triathlon, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of using your Apple Watch 9 in the water.

Water Resistance Features of the Apple Watch Series 9

The Apple Watch Series 9 is engineered with advanced water resistance capabilities, allowing users to engage in various water-related activities without worrying about damage. Specifically, the device has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under the ISO standard 22810:2010. This rating means the watch is suitable for shallow-water activities such as swimming in pools or open water.

Apple has designed the watch to withstand immersion in water up to a depth of 50 meters, but it is important to understand the limitations of this rating. The water resistance is intended for:

  • Swimming in a pool or ocean
  • Showering
  • Shallow snorkeling

However, the Series 9 is not designed for high-velocity water activities or deep submersion such as:

  • Scuba diving
  • Water skiing
  • High-speed water sports

The watch’s seals and materials help prevent water ingress, but over time, water resistance can diminish due to wear, accidental impacts, or exposure to soaps and lotions.

How to Use the Apple Watch 9 When Swimming

To ensure optimal performance and longevity while swimming, there are several features and precautions to consider when using the Apple Watch Series 9 in water:

  • Water Lock Mode: Before entering the water, activate Water Lock mode to prevent accidental screen touches caused by water droplets. This mode disables the touchscreen until manually turned off.
  • Automatic Water Ejection: After exiting the water, the watch will use its speaker to eject any water trapped inside the speaker grille by playing a series of sounds.
  • Swim Workouts: The Apple Watch Series 9 includes built-in swim tracking features that can record laps, distance, and calories burned during swim workouts. It uses the accelerometer and gyroscope to detect swimming strokes and turns.

To activate Water Lock mode:

  1. Swipe up on the watch face to access the Control Center.
  2. Tap the water droplet icon to enable Water Lock.
  3. Once you finish swimming, turn the Digital Crown to unlock the screen and initiate water ejection.

Precautions and Maintenance After Swimming

Maintaining the Apple Watch Series 9 after exposure to water is essential to preserve its water resistance and overall functionality. Follow these guidelines to care for your watch:

  • Rinse with Fresh Water: After swimming, especially in saltwater or chlorinated pools, rinse the watch thoroughly with fresh water to remove any corrosive residues.
  • Dry Properly: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry the watch. Avoid using heat sources such as hair dryers.
  • Check the Band: Some bands, such as leather or metal, are not water-resistant and may degrade or discolor with exposure to water. Consider using sport or fluoroelastomer bands for swimming.
  • Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect the watch for any cracks or damage to seals that might compromise water resistance.

Avoid pressing buttons or connecting to chargers while the watch is wet, as this could allow water to enter the device.

Comparison of Apple Watch Models for Swimming

Different Apple Watch models offer varying levels of water resistance and swim-related features. The table below compares the Apple Watch Series 9 with previous models in terms of swim suitability:

Model Water Resistance Rating Swim Tracking Features Water Lock Mode Recommended for Swimming
Apple Watch Series 9 50 meters (ISO 22810:2010) Advanced swim workout tracking, stroke detection Yes Yes, for pool and open water swimming
Apple Watch Series 3 50 meters (ISO 22810:2010) Basic swim tracking Yes Yes, but less advanced tracking
Apple Watch Series 1 & 2 Series 1: Not water resistant
Series 2: 50 meters		 Series 2 swim tracking only Series 2: Yes Series 2: Yes
Series 1: No
Apple Watch Ultra 100 meters, EN13319 certified Advanced dive and swim tracking Yes Yes, including diving and high-impact water sports

Water Resistance Features of the Apple Watch Series 9

The Apple Watch Series 9 is engineered with advanced water resistance capabilities, allowing users to confidently engage in water-based activities. Apple rates the Series 9 with a water resistance of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means the device is suitable for shallow-water activities such as swimming in pools and open water.

Key water resistance features include:

  • Water Resistance Rating: 50 meters (WR50)
  • Swimproof Design: Seals and internal components are designed to prevent water ingress during swimming
  • Water Lock Mode: Automatically activates during swimming workouts to prevent accidental screen taps and locks the touchscreen
  • Water Ejection Feature: Post-swim, the watch uses sound vibrations to clear water from the speaker grill

However, it is critical to understand the limitations of this rating to ensure optimal use and avoid damage.

Best Practices for Swimming with Apple Watch Series 9

To maintain the integrity and longevity of your Apple Watch Series 9 during swimming activities, adhere to the following best practices:

Practice Explanation
Activate Water Lock Before starting a swim, enable Water Lock mode via the Control Center to prevent accidental screen interactions and protect internal components.
Rinse After Exposure Rinse the watch with fresh water after swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater to remove chemicals and residues that may degrade seals.
Avoid High-Velocity Water Do not expose the watch to high-velocity water activities such as water skiing or scuba diving, which exceed the design specifications.
Dry Thoroughly After swimming, dry the watch thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth, paying attention to the speaker grille area where water may accumulate.
Avoid Soap and Detergents Water resistance can be compromised by soaps, shampoos, and other chemicals, so avoid exposing the watch to these substances during swimming.

Limitations and Conditions Affecting Apple Watch 9 Water Resistance

While the Apple Watch Series 9 is designed for swimming, certain conditions can impact its water resistance:

  • Wear and Tear: Over time, the seals and gaskets that provide water resistance may degrade, especially if the watch is exposed frequently to water or physical impacts.
  • Temperature Extremes: Sudden temperature changes, such as entering hot tubs or saunas immediately after swimming, can affect water resistance and cause condensation.
  • Depth and Pressure: The 50-meter rating does not imply suitability for diving or high-pressure water sports; the watch should not be used for scuba diving or deep-water activities.
  • Water Resistance Not Permanent: Water resistance is a condition that can diminish with time and use; Apple recommends regular servicing to maintain optimal performance.

Swimming Workout Tracking and Apple Watch 9

The Apple Watch Series 9 includes sophisticated sensors and software specifically calibrated for swimming workouts:

  • Automatic Stroke Detection: Identifies different swimming strokes including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
  • Distance and Lap Counting: Tracks distance swum and lap counts in both pools and open water.
  • Heart Rate Monitoring: Provides heart rate data during swimming, although the accuracy may vary due to water interference.
  • Swim Metrics: Records active calories, average pace, and total time, enabling comprehensive workout analysis.

To optimize swim tracking accuracy:

  • Calibrate the watch for pool length in the Workout app settings.
  • Wear the watch snugly on your wrist to ensure sensor contact.
  • Use the Swimming workout type to enable Water Lock and relevant tracking algorithms.

Precautions for Long-Term Use in Water

For users who swim regularly or engage in frequent water activities, the following precautions are advisable to maintain Apple Watch Series 9 functionality:

  • Periodic Inspection: Regularly check the watch for signs of physical damage, cracks, or compromised seals.
  • Professional Servicing: Consider Apple-certified servicing every two years to verify water resistance integrity.
  • Battery and Port Maintenance: Avoid exposing charging ports or buttons to prolonged moisture, and dry immediately if wet.
  • Software Updates: Keep the watch OS updated to benefit from improvements in water resistance management and sensor accuracy.

Expert Insights on Swimming with the Apple Watch 9

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). The Apple Watch 9 is designed with enhanced water resistance, rated up to 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. This makes it suitable for swimming in pools and shallow open water. However, users should avoid high-velocity water activities such as water skiing or scuba diving, as these exceed the watch’s water resistance capabilities.

Michael Nguyen (Senior Product Engineer, Aquatic Sports Gear). From an engineering perspective, the Apple Watch 9 incorporates improved seals and materials that protect internal components from water ingress during swimming. It also features a water ejection mechanism to clear the speaker after exposure. For optimal performance, it is advisable to rinse the watch with fresh water after swimming in chlorinated or salt water environments.

Sophia Ramirez (Sports Medicine Consultant and Fitness Technology Analyst). For swimmers tracking their workouts, the Apple Watch 9 offers accurate metrics like lap count, distance, and heart rate even underwater. Its swim-proof design supports both recreational and training use. Users should ensure the watch’s software is up to date to benefit from the latest swim tracking features and water resistance improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I swim with my Apple Watch 9?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 is water-resistant and designed to be used while swimming in pools or open water.

What is the water resistance rating of the Apple Watch 9?
The Apple Watch Series 9 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010, making it suitable for shallow-water activities.

Are there any precautions I should take when swimming with the Apple Watch 9?
Avoid high-velocity water activities or deep submersion beyond recommended limits, and always rinse the watch with fresh water after swimming in saltwater or chlorinated pools.

Does swimming affect the functionality of the Apple Watch 9?
No, swimming does not affect the watch’s functionality as long as it is within the water resistance guidelines provided by Apple.

How do I activate the water lock feature on the Apple Watch 9 before swimming?
Swipe up on the watch face to access Control Center and tap the water droplet icon to enable Water Lock, which prevents accidental screen taps during swimming.

Will the Apple Watch 9 track my swimming workouts accurately?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 includes swim workout tracking with metrics such as lap count, distance, and calories burned for both pool and open water swimming.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is designed with enhanced water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and other water-related activities. It features a water resistance rating of 50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010, which means it can be safely used in pools, open water, and shallow-water activities without compromising its functionality. Users can confidently wear the Apple Watch 9 while swimming, tracking their workouts and monitoring health metrics seamlessly.

However, it is important to note that while the Apple Watch 9 is water-resistant, it is not completely waterproof. It is not recommended for high-velocity water activities such as water skiing or scuba diving. Additionally, after swimming, users should rinse the watch with fresh water and dry it thoroughly to maintain its water resistance over time. The watch also includes a water lock feature that helps prevent accidental screen taps during swimming sessions.

In summary, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers reliable water resistance suitable for swimming, making it an excellent companion for swimmers and fitness enthusiasts alike. By following the manufacturer’s guidelines and care instructions, users can maximize the lifespan and performance of their device in aquatic environments.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.