Are Garmin Watches Waterproof: Top Full Guide 2023

Are Garmin watches waterproof? This is a question that many people have, as they are looking for a new watch to take on their next adventure.

Garmin is a well-known brand for GPS and navigation devices, so it only makes sense that their watches would be just as tough and durable.

Which Garmin Watches Are Waterproof?

Garmin Fenix 6 Series | water resistance rating: 100 meters

The Garmin Fenix 6 is the company’s flagship ‘adventure’ watch, and each model in the series is appropriate for pool and open water swimming.

All Fenix 6 models have dedicated modes for pool, open water, swim, run activities, and dedicated pool-based programs to give your swim sessions an added training edge.

Garmin Instinct Series | water resistance rating: 100 meters

Garmin’s Instinct is another strict outdoor watch. While it lacks the functionality of the Fenix, it does have the same water resistance rating of up to 100 meters. It also has a pool and open water swim tracking modes and several stats to examine during and after your training.

Garmin Venu | water resistance rating: 50 meters

The Venu was the first Garmin watch to have an AMOLED color display, and it can be worn underwater for up to 50 meters. It only has a pool swim tracking mode (nothing for outdoor swimmers), but it can track lengths, Swolf efficiency scores, and stroke type, all of which can be reviewed after the swim in Garmin’s Connect app.

Garmin Vivoactive 4/4S | water resistance rating: 50 meters

Both models of the Garmin Vivoactive 4 can be immersed in up to 50 meters of water. You can also use the app to track pool swimming sessions and set up time and distance alarms. When you’re powering through your front crawl, monitoring heart rate can help you assess your exertion levels.

Garmin Vivomove | water resistance rating: 50 meters

The Vivomove is Garmin’s hybrid analog/digital smartwatch, and all variants in the series are waterproof. Although the statistics on what you do in the pool are less detailed than on other Garmin watches, it still provides you something to look at once you’ve dried off.

Garmin Vivofit Jr 2 | water resistance rating: 50 meters

Even though it’s doubtful that your kids will go near water so deep, Garmin’s kids’ fitness tracker can be immersed in water up to 50 meters. Although there are no specific swim tracking capabilities, the water resistance makes it a more lasting wearable for them to live with.

Garmin Forerunner 945 | water resistance rating: 50 meters

Because the 945 is made for triathletes, it’s no surprise that it can survive in water up to 50 meters deep. It includes specific swim tracking modes for the pool, open water, and swimrun, as well as several metrics and the possibility to combine it with an external heart rate monitor for more accurate effort data.

Garmin Forerunner 245/245 Music | water resistance rating: 50 meters

The 245 (with or without audio storage) is the follow-up to the highly popular 235. It has the same water resistance rating as the 235 but adds a pool swimming mode that gives you a bigger hit of swim tracking data like pace, stroke count, and the option to follow swim-based workouts.

Garmin Forerunner 45/45s | water resistance rating: 50 meters

Although the Forerunner 45 and 45s are primarily geared for runners and cyclists, they have a 5ATM water resistance certification. That means you can safely enter the water while wearing one, even if you won’t be able to measure precise swim stats.

Garmin Approach S62 | water resistance rating: 50 meters

The Approach S62 is a golf watch suitable for both water hazards and putting greens. It’s waterproof up to 50 meters and has a pool swim monitoring profile with stats like average pace, stroke count, and Swolf efficiency scores.

Garmin Vivosmart 4 | water resistance rating: 50 meters

Garmin’s ultra-slim fitness tracker is water-resistant up to 50 meters and keeps things simple in terms of features. You’ll be able to set a primary rest timer and keep track of swim intervals and pool lengths to review when you’re through.

Garmin Swim 2 | water resistance rating: 50 meters

It should come as no surprise that the Swim 2 is water-resistant. Swim 2 provides monitoring profiles for both pool and open water swimming and all of the typical data.

It also has an auto rest option for when you need a break between lengths or sets and a countdown start to help you get into swimming position.

Garmin Vivosport | water resistance rating: 50 meters

The Vivosport is the only Garmin fitness band with built-in GPS and a water resistance rating of 50 meters. It doesn’t have a dedicated swim tracking profile, but you can shower and swim when you’re cooling down after the activities it can track.

Garmin Vivofit 4 | water resistance rating: 50 meters

The Vivofit 4 is Garmin’s entry-level fitness tracker, with a year’s worth of battery life and the ability to be submerged in water up to 50 meters deep during that time. Despite its modest price, it includes a pool swimming rest timer to make it more useful when you jump in.

Garmin Marq Collection | water resistance rating: 100 meters

Garmin’s luxury watch line all have the same water resistance rating, allowing them to be worn in water up to 100 meters deep. In terms of swimming features, it’s comparable to Garmin’s Fenix line, and the Marq Captain comes with a variety of settings that make it an excellent sailing companion.

What Do Garmin’s Water Ratings Mean?

Garmin claims on its website that it thoroughly evaluates its products to ensure that they are suited for the types of water-based activities for which they are intended. It also explains what each water rating entails and what actions it can tolerate, ensuring that your wearable stays completely functional after being submerged.

Those two water ratings include an IP rating or an ATM rating in the case of most Garmin devices these days. When we talk about IP ratings, or Ingress Protection ratings, we refer to the International Electrotechnical Commission’s standard. This commission assesses how well electrical devices are secured against moisture and other contaminants.

An IPX7 water rating is seen on some older Garmin products that are not wearable. This is defined as something that can resist a 30-minute accidental immersion in water up to 1 meter deep.

This means it can withstand splashes, rain, snow, and showers. A device with an IPX6 rating is protected from intense water jets and is the type of gadget acceptable for use in rain or stormy sea conditions.

Most Garmin watches and trackers have an ATM (atmosphere) water rating, which indicates that it has been laboratory tested to sustain static pressure for a short length of time at a specific depth.

If you see a Garmin watch or tracker with a 5ATM or ‘Swim’ rating, it can resist pressures similar to a 50-meter dive. It doesn’t indicate that diving at those depths; instead, it means it’s suitable for shallow water sports. Splashes, rain, snow, showering, swimming, diving into the water, and even snorkeling are all examples.

A Garmin with a 10ATM water rating can withstand pressure to a depth of 100 meters, making it ideal for all of the same conditions that a 5ATM rated device does and an excellent fit for high-speed water sports.

At the very least, most Garmin wearables have a 5ATM grade, with a 10ATM rating for something built to spend more time in the water. If you’re still unsure, Garmin explains its water ratings on its website.

If you own the Garmin smartwatch, maybe this guide is useful: How To Change Garmin Watch Background?

FAQs

Is it possible to swim while wearing a Garmin watch?

While most best Garmin watches may endure some water exposure, only those with a water resistance rating of 5 ATM (50 meters) or more significant are meant to withstand surface swimming without being damaged. The Pool Swim activity profile can be employed when swimming in a pool.

Is it okay for me to wear my Garmin in the water?

According to Garmin, thoroughly rinse the device with fresh water after exposure to chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, cosmetics, alcohol, or other harsh chemicals. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can harm the case. Yes, you can wear it at sea or while swimming. After that, make sure you rinse well.

Which Garmin models are water-resistant?

The waterproof grade of IPX7 is found on nearly every Garmin Handheld GPS. The number 7 refers to the water resistance rating. This means that the GPS must withstand being submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Garmin watches are water-resistant, and the stainless steel construction means that they will keep working even when it rains. Most people will only use their Garmin watches for short trips and are not too worried about dropping them in the water.

HereOfamily hopes this article has been helpful to you. If you have any questions, please let us know.