Wild swimming has become one of the UK’s most loved outdoor activities, with more people swapping indoor pools for rivers, lakes, waterfalls and the sea. But if you’re new to the term, you might be wondering: what is wild swimming, exactly?
What is Wild Swimming?
In simple terms, wild swimming is swimming in natural bodies of water rather than in a man-made pool. That could mean a dip in a quiet lake, a swim in the sea, a river swim, or even a cold-water plunge beneath a waterfall.
For many of our swimmers, wild swimming is about fitness. For others, it’s about reconnecting with nature, improving their mental well-being, or harnessing the benefits of cold water swimming. Whatever might have drawn you into this post, you’ll find that wild swimming gives you a completely different experience from lane swimming at your local leisure centre.
In recent years, it’s become hugely popular in the UK thanks to growing interest in wellbeing, outdoor adventures, and cold-water immersion. Social media has certainly played its part too, with stunning images of swimmers in hidden lakes, dramatic coastlines and forest rivers inspiring others to give it a try.
But beyond the Instagram appeal, many swimmers say wild swimming helps them feel calmer, stronger and more connected to the natural world.
As more people discover the joys of open water swimming in the UK, we spoke to wild swimming enthusiast Michelle to find out what makes it so special, how beginners can get started safely, and why so many swimmers keep coming back for more.
Meet Michelle: wild swimmer and outdoor adventure enthusiast.
We caught up with Michelle to chat about her experience with wild swimming, what keeps her hooked, and her advice for anyone thinking of giving it a go.
Q&A: Let’s Ask a Wild Swimmer!
- Hello Michelle, thank you for talking with us today. So how did you first hear about and get into wild swimming?
An open water swimming venue, Caversham Lakes, opened very near to us last summer. One of my very good friends (who I hadn’t seen for a few years) started swimming there and posting about it on Facebook. We (our family) decided to go to that lake for my son’s birthday to try out paddleboarding.
It was there that I got chatting to people getting out of the lake and saying how lovely it was. I went to the reception to pick up some cards for an Open Water Coach, and just happened to pick the same lady my friend had used. I messaged her and was able to have a ‘lesson’ that same week!
- What was your first wild swimming experience like?
I booked a 1-to-1 lesson with an Open Water coach, because having swam since a child, and having done pool lifeguard training, I appreciate how dangerous water can be! I knew the lake was very deep and will have wildlife and vegetation etc. My coach was excellent at explaining what to expect in terms of how breathing will be affected by the cold water and how to manage this, and also not to panic if you swim into weed and lots of other vital tips and information.
- How is wild swimming different (in terms of enjoyment and benefits) to swimming in a regular pool?
Where I swim is beautiful and peaceful, especially now in the colder months as the Aqua Park and family beach are both closed and only a few people paddleboard in the colder weather. You are not confined to a lane, or the speed of the person swimming in front of you. You can really appreciate the surroundings and the wildlife, it is extremely peaceful. I find a public swimming pool now is too warm for me to enjoy for a long period. Also, the community of people I have met swimming at the lake has been great. I generally plan to swim with my friend (it is our ‘us time’) but if one of us can’t make it, there will always be other people to chat to.
- How do you know where wild swimming is safe and allowed and are there any ‘official’ guidelines to this?
There are no concretely defined rules to it, but there are definitely safety precautions you need to take depending on the body of water you are swimming in. If it is the sea, of course the tide is a big thing to be wary of, along with rocks on the coastline. I recommend always trying to go with somebody else, never alone. This way you can look out for each other in case of an emergency.
The weather is also a factor to consider. Obviously in open water, the wind and rain can play a big part on the strength of the current – even in lakes – which can make your progress more difficult and therefore make you tire surprisingly quickly. I’d also highly recommend identifying your entry and exit points for the water. If it is a river, make sure you can safely get into and out of the water and never risk jumping in. This is an unregulated environment that can change, so you never know what lies under the surface in the form of rocks or entangled weeds.
Plotting your routes beforehand, taking a partner with you, and monitoring the weather forecast are three essentials on my list before a wild swimming venture.
- What would be your top tips (in terms of preparation and equipment) to a wild swimming newbie?
Have a lesson from someone who is experienced and knows what they are doing. As well as the 1-to-1 lesson I had in August, I also went to an ‘Introduction to Cold Water Swimming’ session with the same coach at the lake. This was a group session which focussed on the practicalities of swimming in cold water, i.e. how to understand your body and how its reacting, tips on how to warm up (especially don’t have a hot shower straight afterwards, that’s very dangerous!) and what sort of kit to have with you.
When it gets colder, I use a wetsuit, boots and gloves (from about October) but lots of people swim without all year! Having a hot water bottle between your clothes in your bag warms them up for you, and then you can hug the hot water bottle when you’re dressed! Make sure you have a woolly hat to put on afterwards and people do sometimes even swim in one.
Always have a hot drink to consume afterwards, this will bring your body temperature up safely and gradually. A tow-float is a must, mine is a dry bag so I can put my keys and phone in it, and I just leave the rest of my stuff on the side. If you get tired you can just hang onto your float for a rest! Floats also make you much easier to spot in the water, along with having a bright swim hat.
Lastly, a changing towel or robe are also great to have - I use both and change under the towel and have my dry robe as a big fluffy coat to put on after.
So, what is wild swimming?
At its heart, it’s simply swimming in nature, but for many people, it becomes much more than that. It’s a chance to disconnect from screens, reconnect with the outdoors, challenge yourself, and experience movement in a completely different way.
If you’re planning your first wild swim, make sure you choose swimwear that helps you feel comfortable, confident and ready for whatever the water brings. We’ve got some great styles, including legsuits for more coverage, wide-angle goggles and high-visibility hats. You might also find one of our towel robes a useful piece of kit.
Whether you’re curious about cold water swimming, looking for a new outdoor hobby, or just wondering what all the fuss is about, wild swimming can be an incredibly rewarding place to start.