Corrected Course

The safest, best, and ideal method is to consider how to move toward the subsequent swim turn buoy in respect to the current, wind, and waves. Rather than directly swim toward it, athletes should consider how these will modify their course.
The correct method of swimming in an open-water triathlon results in swimmers heading in the correct direction with the least amount of effort and distance. The swimmer who just swims directly for the buoy will be nudged off course, which will take them longer with extra effort. Competing athletes tend to glance over their shoulders and make adjustments in order to stay on the ideal course, thus the approach is beneficial in difficult race situations.