Embracing the Waves

THE RISE OF OPEN WATER SWIMMING

Open water swimming’s popularity has surged significantly since the lockdowns and has been further boosted by the rise in commercial operators organising races and events for all skill levels

England now has more than 600,000 regular open water swimmers, according to the latest available data from Sport England’s Active Lives survey. Many open water swimmers experience numerous health benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety and depression, as well as enhanced mood and mental clarity due to the natural environment and cold water exposure.

New open water locations

New open water locations are opening all the time, with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) recently announcing 27 additional designated bathing water locations across the UK, taking the total to 451, the highest number to date.

Being a designated bathing water site means the Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality and determines whether action is needed to reduce pollution levels. This involves collaboration with local communities, farmers and water companies to enhance water quality at these locations. The full list of designated water locations can be found on the government website.

Why outdoor swimming?

But what is it that draws individuals to swim in lakes, rivers and oceans in all weathers and seasons?

Similar to indoor swimming, open water swimming offers excellent exercise benefits. Regular outdoor swimmers often report improvements in fitness, circulation, energy levels and immune system strength. Additionally, many report that it aids recovery from trauma, injury and mental health challenges. There is also growing evidence that swimming in cold water can have a beneficial impact on women going through the menopause.

Lucy Whitehead, 45, regularly swims with friends at the seaside and at open water venue, Divers Cove in Surrey. She says: “Outdoor swimming offers me incredible health benefits as I navigate the perimenopause. I believe it helps with my overall wellbeing including my hormone fluctuations, immune function and mental health.

“The supportive community and camaraderie at the club where I swim make it an empowering experience, providing a welcoming alternative to gyms and traditional swimming pools. Sharing the experience of open water swimming with others, discussing and checking in before and after a swim, adds to the overall mental and social wellbeing. This inclusive activity is a wonderful way to navigate menopausal changes with confidence and support.”

How to stay safe

Ashley Jones, Swim England’s Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Manger, says: “The surge in the popularity of open water swimming reflects a broader shift in attitudes towards outdoor activities and nature. People are increasingly seeking experiences that offer a break from the artificial environments of urban life, and open water swimming provides a perfect avenue for this escape.

“But if you want to try outdoor swimming, we would recommend you are a confident pool swimmer in the first instance. Practicing your strokes and treading water are two important skills.

“Swimming outside also requires you to be aware of your surroundings and what to do if you need help. There are not always lifeguards and a support system nearby, so we would always suggest you go with other people and never on your own, and have a means of calling for help.

“If you are not used to swimming in cold water, learn how to handle cold water shock and swim failure associated with staying in the water for too long. We recommend using listed open swimming venues, a wetsuit in the colder months, always wear a brightly coloured swimming hat and use a tow float.”

Mixing your skills

In addition to the swimmer who wants to be at one with nature, there has also been a growth in the number of competitive, multi-disciplined open water races, including triathlons and ironman competitions. The open water swimming nature of these events can appeal to the adrenaline-seeking, highly competitive swimmer.

I feel exhilarated swimming in a lake rather than confined to a pool, and I love being in nature

The number of people participating in triathlons in England increased by 41 percent in 2023. Between November 2022 and November 2023, a little over 24,000 people participated in triathlons in England alone*.

Swimming teacher and coach, Alice Hayton, discovered open water swimming a few years ago and has gone on to complete several open water swimming events, including a full Ironman triathlon in Bolton, a 10km Marathon Swim in the Cotswolds, plus races at the Outdoor Swimmer Henley Festival and GB National Master Championships. However, overall she believes her love of open water stems from the way it makes her feel.

Hayton says: “I love the health benefits of being in open water, and the cold water therapy aspect of it. I feel exhilarated swimming in a lake rather than confined to a pool, and I love being in nature, having the space to take it all in. My favourite place to swim so far has been Lake Como in Italy.”

The transition from the pool environment to the unpredictable nature of open water not only reshaped her personal swimming journey, but also fuelled a new found interest in becoming an open water coach. She has recently completed her Open Water Swimming Coach Certificate with the Institute of Swimming.

Hayton says: “The course involves blended online theory sessions with practical application at a lake and has a strong emphasis on safety. Its accessibility, supportive environment and real-world application make it a compelling recommendation for anyone with a coaching background and a passion for open water swimming.

“The hands-on experience was invaluable. The practical sessions with two diverse swimmers, one a novice and the other an Ironman trainee, further showcased the practical relevance of the skills I had learnt.”

Open water swimming has built up a broad appeal across a range of people – from elite athletes and “adventurers” seeking a thrill to those simply enjoying a refreshing dip.

To find out more about open water swimming visit: [www.swimming.org/openwater/open-water-swimming-explained/](http://www.swimming.org/openwater/open-water-swimming-explained/) The full list of designated water locations can be found here: [www.gov.uk/government/publications/bathing-waters-list-of-designated-waters-in-england/list-of-current-bathing-waters](http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bathing-waters-list-of-designated-waters-in-england/list-of-current-bathing-waters)

* [www.statista.com/statistics/934827/triathlon-participation-uk/](http://www.statista.com/statistics/934827/triathlon-participation-uk/)