My swimming has progressed to 1 mile swim. 3xweek.
Here is a tip that I have for simulating open water swimming in a pool.
I swim at the local YMCA and during the "water aerobics" class there are two lanes open for lap swimming. This is the type of class that features mostly large women treading water with milk jugs. The water really gets churning during the class...producing a tsunami effect in the outer lap swimming lanes. The rough water and the swirling current is good for training.