What you need to know about wild swimming

During the pandemic wild swimming saw a surge in popularity, with The Outdoor Swimming Society's membership growing by 36% in 2020 alone. Since then, the urge to embrace swimming in our rivers, lakes, oceans and natural swimming pools has continued to feel our souls and support our fitness goals.

“According to Outdoor Swimmer magazine’s annual report, searches for the term “wild swimming” - which refers to “swimming (or dipping) in rivers, lakes, pools, the sea etc; typically in more out-of-the-way locations with no lifeguard supervision,” according to magazine founder Simon Griffith - increased 94% between 2019 and 2020.”

BBC

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out why this fitness pastime gained traction in the pandemic years, but its continued popularity is testament to the feel-good-factor so many of us get from reconnecting with nature and moving in the great outdoors.

Of course, wild swimming isn’t a new phenomenon. One journalist quipped "'Wild swimming'? We used to just call it swimming" - but that in itself is an indicator of how far removed many of us feel from the natural world, and how fantastic that we're rediscovering it!

The benefits of bracing waters have long been heralded by cultures around the world. Anyone who has a passion for the sea will know the liberation that comes from taking a dip - and if we’re going to go wild swimming, what option do we really have in the UK other than to embrace the cold?

What are the benefits of wild swimming?

Aside from being a comparatively simple concept, assuming you have access to a suitable swimming spot, wild swimming is often a more cost-effective alternative to heading to a heated indoor pool. There’s no price for jumping in the sea - just the means to get there and appropriate swimwear (please be cautious when it comes to the cold and the current). It’s also a great way to explore the great outdoors, whether you’re getting to know your home area better or exploring holiday destinations from a whole new perspective. Lots of people have found it to be beneficial for both physical and mental health as well. Some of the reported benefits of wild swimming are:

• Obviously from an exercise point of view, it’s simply great to be moving.
• Swimming is an excellent way to work the whole body whilst supporting the joints.
• From a mental health perspective, it’s meditative and makes you feel much more connected to nature.
• There’s a sense of exhilaration that goes with the cold water that can help with the way you manage stress.
• You are totally disconnected from the white noise of modern life - phones, electrics, everything.
• The cold forces you to be mindful of your breathing and really be in the moment.
• There are indicators that show the cold water reduces inflammation - which is good for physical and mental health.
• It can actively boost our levels of the happy hormones.

“There are physiologically-based hypotheses that suggest that swimming regularly in cold water results in a cross-adaptive anti-inflammatory response. This is beneficial because some mental health problems [such as depression] are thought to have an inflammatory basis.”

Vogue

What do you need to be aware of when outdoor swimming?

• The cold water can be a shock to the system and can make it hard to swim, so make sure you’re getting in and out of the water safely and take appropriate precautions. Wearing a wetsuit can help with cold exposure and taking dry clothes and a warm drink to have post swim will help.
• Know your limits - don't stay in the water for too long, and don't swim in depths, currents or locations that you're unsure of.
• Research appropriate safety equipment and let someone know where you’re going or, even better, go with a buddy.
• Be aware of water cleanliness and avoid toxic algae or industrial waste areas. Surfers Against Sewage have a great app for real time sewage alerts at beaches and ocean swimming spots.
• Don’t jump off rocks unless you’re 100% sure of the depth of the water.
• If you’re swimming in the sea you must be aware of currents, rip tides and swimming in areas where there are boats. Wear a bright swimming cap so you can be more easily seen and take a float.
• Take a look at these tips from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Top tips for wild swimming

• If you’re new to the game or want to make it a bit of a social occasion, there are open water swimming groups you can join. You can find out more from the Open Water Swimming Society.
• Invest in good kit - it will last a while and is important for keeping you warm. A dry robe for example, can be a game changer, especially if you plan to continue into the winter!
• Don’t swim in canals, urban rivers, stagnant lakes or reedy shallows.
• Don’t swim alone.

Enjoy wild swimming in spa style

For those who want to embrace wild swimming in the comfort of the spa environment, there are some exquisite natural swimming pools to help you get back to nature. Here's a little inspiration.

South Lodge, West Sussex

An eco spa with exceptional style, South Lodge is a glamorous retreat in the heart of the South Downs. Amidst 44,000 sq. ft. of facilities, this beautiful retreat has a natural wild swimming pond, surrounded by a hidden rockery, wildflower meadow and a sun deck.

Yorkshire Spa Retreat, North Yorkshire

Nestled into the North Yorkshire countryside, Yorkshire Spa Retreat combines luxury and wellness in a retreat designed to connect with the natural world. Amongst the facilities, their natural swim pond is filtered and purified biologically by water plants and a specialist filtration system, so it feels like a chilled mountain lake.

Swinton Estate, North Yorkshire

A spectacular, historic, 20,000-acre estate, Swinton Estate sits between the River Ure in Wensleydale and the moors. Its spa is a destination in its own right, with a wealth of indoor and outdoor facilities, including a natural pool that offers environmentally friendly, natural bathing in bio-filtered water.