20-05-2025
The golden rules of safe (and responsible) open-water swimming
Whether it's the sea, a river, lake, tidal pool, tarn, waterfall, pond or reservoir, more Britons than ever are enjoying the benefits of wild swimming. According to the Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS), 7.5 million people have turned to the open water since the pandemic.
But what actually is open water swimming? Firstly, don't be intimidated by the words 'open water'. Anyone swimming outside of the controlled environment of a swimming pool – which is confined, life-guarded (in the UK) and filled with water that is monitored for quality – is engaging in open-water, or wild, swimming.
The experience is as much about communing with nature as it is about exercise. There might be a sunrise or a sunset, geese in formation, a murmuration of starlings, or a kingfisher on a riverside perch. In colder months, when our instinct is to hibernate, a cold-water dip feels like cheating at winter. An open-water 'swim' might mean a plunge or a quick bob.
Open-water swimming is one of the most inclusive activities to try. It is free, low impact, needs little to no equipment and can be a solo or a communal experience shared by swimmers of all ages.
Outdoor swimming does carry an element of risk though, given the unknown perils of any body of water. The good news is it's easier than ever to arm yourself with the knowledge and technology to reduce risks. Here are some tips and techniques to help you stay safe in the water.
