Garmin watches are indeed waterproof, but not 100%. Most models are water-resistant up to 50 meters, while a few others can withstand submersions of up to 100 meters below water.
For example, cheaper versions of Garmin watches are usually waterproof up to 50 meters. One such example is the Vivofit 4.
On the other hand, more expensive models like the Fenix 6 are water-resistant up to 100 meters below water. This makes the Fenix 6 suitable for deep-sea diving, making it one of the most expensive Garmin sports and fitness tracking watches available.
Can You Shower with a Garmin Watch?
Yes, Garmin watches such as the Vivosmart HR and Vivofit 4 are waterproof and can be worn while taking a shower or swimming.
Other Garmin watches that are also waterproof and safe to wear during a shower or swimming include the Forerunner 55, Vivoactive 4S, Fenix 6, Forerunner 45, Venu Sq, Instinct, and Venu.
The Vivofit Jr 3 is the best Garmin watch for kids and is also safe to wear while showering.
Are Garmin Forerunners Waterproof?
Garmin Forerunner Watches like the Forerunner 45 are waterproof up to 50 meters below the water surface and because of that, they can be worn while in the shower or swimming pool.
Garmin Water-resistance Classifications
Garmin offers four different water-resistance classifications, which are explained below:
– 1 ATM: Garmin watches with this rating are water-resistant up to 10 meters and are only suitable for handling a few splashes, rain, snow, or showers.
– 3 ATM: Watches with this rating can tolerate water pressure at 30 meters and can handle rain, snow, showering, and shallow water activities.
– 5 ATM: Watches with this rating can withstand water pressure at a depth of 50 meters and are suitable for swimming, diving, and showering.
– 10 ATM: Watches with this rating can withstand water pressure at a depth of 100 meters and are suitable for high-speed water sports, deep diving, and snorkeling.
Can Garmin Watches Go In Salt Water?
Garmin watches can go in saltwater but can only survive for a limited time. If you expose your Garmin watch to saltwater for too long, it can become damaged.
In addition to salt, other harsh chemicals that can damage your watch include cosmetics, chlorine, alcohol, and sunscreen.
Therefore, it is recommended that you wipe your Garmin watch clean using fresh water after exposure to any of these harmful substances.
Which Garmin Forerunner Can Monitor Swimming?
All of the Garmin Forerunner watches are waterproof and suitable for swimming, but only a few of them can track swimming activity. If you’re looking for a Garmin watch that can monitor your swimming, you should consider the Forerunner 230, Forerunner 235, or Forerunner 630. Let’s briefly discuss each of these watches below:
1. Garmin Forerunner 230
The Garmin Forerunner 230 is an excellent waterproof watch designed for swimmers and runners. It is equipped with GPS, making it ideal for running, and it can also work with the Pool Swim app to monitor swimming activities. The watch tracks your heart rate and provides accurate data analysis for all activities including swimming. The battery life of the watch is impressive, lasting up to five weeks on smartwatch mode and up to 16 hours with GPS mode active.
2. Garmin Forerunner 235
The Forerunner 235 is another Garmin swimming smartwatch that is water-resistant up to 50 meters underwater. Like the Forerunner 230, it can track swimming activities using the Swim Pool app from Garmin Connect IQ Store. It also monitors your heart rate while you swim.
3. Garmin Forerunner 630
The Garmin Forerunner 630 is the most expensive of the three watches but offers exceptional features. It is waterproof up to 50 meters, and with the Swim Pool app, it can monitor swimming activities. It also monitors your heart rate as you swim. The battery can last up to nine days on a full charge and up to 16 hours with the GPS mode active.
