Wild swimming

Calm, clean lakes and slow river pools with easy entry and exit, ideally somewhere others swim too. Start somewhere you can stand up and that has a clear, easy way out, because getting in is never the problem, getting out of a cold, steep-banked river is. The Outdoor Swimming Society maps known spots, and a local swimming group is the safest way to start.

Cold water shock is the body's involuntary gasp and racing heart when you suddenly enter cold water, and it is what drowns people, not the cold itself over time. You avoid it by entering slowly, never jumping or diving in, and letting your breathing settle before you swim. The gasp reflex passes within a minute or two if you stay calm, get your shoulders under gradually, and breathe through it.

Not essential, but it helps enormously with warmth, buoyancy, and confidence, especially below about 15°C. Plenty of swimmers go "skins" (no wetsuit) and love the intensity, but a wetsuit lets beginners stay in longer and worry less, which makes for a better, safer start. A brightly coloured tow float is arguably more important than the wetsuit, because it keeps you visible and gives you something to rest on.

When you stop feeling cold or your hands stop working properly, get out immediately. The dangerous moment is "after-drop", where your core temperature keeps falling after you exit, so beginners should get out while they still feel comfortably cold, not when they are numb. Warm up slowly with dry layers, a hat, and a hot drink, and never rely on a hot shower straight away, which can worsen after-drop.

It varies hugely, so check before you swim. Many rivers and lakes are fine, but pollution and bacteria spike after heavy rain when sewage and farm runoff wash in, so avoid swimming for a day or two after downpours. Apps and websites now report water quality at popular spots. Keep your head up if unsure, don't swallow the water, and cover any open cuts.

Never swim alone as a beginner, and ideally never alone full stop in open water. A swimming buddy or a group is the single biggest safety factor, because cold water can disable even strong swimmers quickly and there is no lifeguard. If you must swim near others rather than with them, tell someone your plan and time, stay close to the edge, and use a tow float.

⚠️ Safety warning: Cold water shock and drowning are real risks. Never swim alone, enter slowly and never jump in, get out before you go numb, avoid swimming after heavy rain, use a tow float for visibility, and never swim near weirs, locks, or strong currents.