Wild swimming, outdoor swimming, or open water swimming is pretty much what it sounds like; swimming in natural bodies of water rather than at a swimming pool.
In this article, we'll focus on what wild swimming is, why you should do it, and how you can get started!
What is Open Water Swimming?
Essentially, open water swimming or wild swimming is just swimming. It's simply a type of swimming that doesn't occur in a swimming pool.
At one time in human history, wild swimming would have simply been referred to as "swimming", but with the advent and proliferation of manmade public and private swimming pools, the term became more synonymous with pool swimming.
Outdoor swimming can take place in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, seas, and oceans. This can make the experience very different to swimming in a pool.
The Differences Between Swimming in Pools and Open Waters
Let's take a look at the key areas where wild swimming differs from swimming in a pool.
Environment
The first key difference between a swimming pool and nature is the environment. While outdoor swimming pools can be affected by the weather and the environment, they're nowhere near as greatly affected by it as wild swimming locations.
Open bodies of water will offer a different environment for swimmers, complete with currents, tides, and visibility.
Safety
The environment that wild swimming presents and the changing conditions that come with it naturally make it more dangerous than swimming in a pool.
After all, pools are generally designed to mitigate most of the risks that come with wild swimming. That said, it doesn't mean that wild swimming can't be done safely, it just means that there are some extra steps you need to take to make it safe.
Do not attempt any wild swimming in unfamiliar locations without the proper safety precautions and equipment.
Temperature
Temperature might be the main difference between wild swimming and swimming in swimming pools.
Whether it's because the pool is heated or there are design elements of the pool that make its temperature more consistent, you can't guarantee much of this with wild swimming.
Different locations are at the behest of local weather conditions and several geographical factors.
Experience
The overall experience of wild swimming is different from that of swimming pools. The different conditions, locations, and surroundings that are an integral part of wild swimming are the key reasons why it's so popular and why wild swimmers much prefer it over the experience of going to their local swimming pool.
Accessibility
Swimming pools provide access to swimming for those who mightn't be able to get to some of the harder-to-reach wild swimming locations.
Some people mightn't be able to travel to remote locations to go wild swimming and those with certain disabilities mightn't be able to swim safely in some wild swimming locations. Swimming pools, in this sense, can provide access.
On the other hand, those who live in areas with lots of wild swimming locations can enjoy open water swimming without the cost.
Amenities
The key here is the term “wild”. With wild swimming, you shouldn't expect as many of the amenities that you'll get at your local swimming pool.
The more remote the wild swimming location, the less likely you'll be able to enjoy the everyday amenities at a swimming pool.
This isn't to say there aren't wild swimming locations with changing rooms, lifeguards, etc., but these are often only at popular wild swimming locations rather than the standard.
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Why Do People Go Wild Water Swimming?
The main reason people are drawn to wild swimming is that it offers a completely different swimming experience from that offered by swimming pools and leisure centres.
Connect with Nature
Swimming in lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans provides a much nicer backdrop than most people's local leisure centre pool, especially during the school holidays!
For nature lovers, wild swimming is the only option and always preferable to swimming at their local pool.
The Physical Benefits of Wild Swimming
Swimming is often touted as being the best kind of exercise. It's very low impact, good for cardio, and uses several muscle groups at once.
With a lower risk of injury and being incredibly good for your health, wild swimming comes with all the same physical benefits as swimming in your local pool, with the added physical challenge that the unpredictability of open waters can provide.
The Mental Benefits of Wild Swimming
Exercise is good for your mental health and so is being in nature. Why not combine the two? Exercising in nature can reduce stress and improve your mood. Connecting to nature has been shown to reduce the likelihood of depression and anxiety, too.
Wild Swimming Offers a Challenge
Pool swimming doesn't offer the same challenges as wild swimming. These challenges, often provided by nature, are why wild swimmers enjoy it so much.
Wild swimming is also a way for those wanting to swim long distances to do so without having to do endless laps or lengths of their local pool.
It's far more enjoyable to swim around a massive lake than to go back and forth 100 times in your local swimming pool.
Essential Tips for Beginners
If outdoor swimming sounds like it'd be much better than going to your local leisure centre for a swim, you have to remember that there are a few things you need to do before you get started.
After all, wild or outdoor swimming has inherent risks. Here are a few tips for you if you're interested in getting started with wild swimming.
Join Wild Swimming Groups and Communities
The best place to start your outdoor swimming journey is by speaking to the wonderful people who already do it and know about it.
Whether it's with local communities or online communities, experience is worth its weight in gold when it comes to outdoor swimming.
If you don't know where to look, it can be a good idea to start with your local pool because you might find some wild swimmers who go to their local pool when they can't get to their favourite swimming spots.
Look for Places to Swim
Your wild swimming community will likely recommend places you can go, especially if they're a local outdoor swimming community.
With online communities, it might be harder to find local recommendations for where you can go wild swimming, but there are plenty of accounts and communities online to give you some ideas.
If you're new to open-water swimming, we wouldn't recommend trying new locations on your own.
Always Check the Conditions before Wild Swimming
Before you go to any outdoor swimming location, do your research and check the conditions before you start swimming.
Weather and environmental factors can affect every location so make sure the water's safe to swim in and that the weather is appropriate.
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Go Wild Swimming with a “Buddy”
New wild swimmers should always go swimming with at least one “buddy”. Generally, most wild swimmers will always go with another person for safety, even if they're quite experienced.
Start Wild Swimming Safely and Slowly
Start with shallow, calm, and safe bodies of water. Even very proficient swimmers may be surprised by how challenging wild swimming can be.
For more advice, check out this great guide from these triathletes.
Essential Gear for Wild Swimming
Due to the challenges presented by open water swimming, you can't just go swimming in your regular swimming attire.
There are several items that every wild swimmer should have with them.
Swimwear or Wetsuit
Depending on where you choose to do your wild swimming, you may want to consider wetsuits or swimwear that protects you against cold water.
Don't forget a good pair of goggles, too!
Swim Cap
A swim cap can be useful. Even if you don't usually wear or need a swim cap, wild swimmers should invest in a brightly-coloured one to make them more visible in the event of emergencies or just to other people around you.
A Tow Float
A tow float is often used to make swimmers more visible. Other water users will find you much harder to see without one and while it won't provide floatation for you, in areas where other people may be using boats or jetskis, for example, you want to be as visible as you can be while swimming.
Water Shoes or Water Socks
While you're unlikely to cut or scrape your feet in your local pool, a lot of wild swimming locations may be rocky.
Water shoes generally provide greater protection whereas water socks are lighter and provide less protection. You'll never need to wear both.
Safety and Survival Gear
Depending on how remote your wild swimming location is, you may also need general survival equipment like a whistle, a first aid kit, a case for your phone, navigation equipment, sunscreen, your ID and emergency contact information, thermos and hydration packs, and an emergency blanket or shelter.
Once you've met the right people, have the right advice, and the right equipment, there's no reason you can't start finding suitable locations and enjoying the unique experiences that wild swimming can offer!
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