If you don’t like swimming in chlorine-soaked expensive pools, some people are now more interested in wild swims in lakes and rivers, or by the sea. It sounds great and is, but there are important safety tips to know of. As there are no lifeguards, take a friend, or a phone in a waterproof pouch, in case you need help.
Always check water temperature, as natural swims are not heated. It’s best to wear a wetsuit and swim shoes, to avoid hazards underwater. There are many wild swimming clubs, including daft people who go out on freezing Christmas mornings for a dip, then head back to a beach hut for cake, only in England!
Read How to Wild Swim which shows how to have fun but still stay safe. And read of greenest choices for swimming costumes.
Planning a Wild Swim
Only swim in areas where wild swims are allowed and encouraged, some locations have safety markings or even lifeguards. If the current looks strong or the water murky, pick another spot. Avoid secluded areas unless you know them well.
Check weather and tide times (and dog beach bans if they’re coming with you). RNLI has good tips. Carry waterproof plasters, a whistle and a foil blanket to warm up after your swim.
If caught in a rip current, wade (don’t swim) parallel to the shore, raise hand and shout for help. A tow float can help, as can a bright swim hat. If phone is out-of-rate, call 999 and 112 (diverts to a signal). Download RYA SafeTrx app (with an Irish version) to alert contacts.
Keep Away from Stinging Jellyfish
Follow beach signs, wear waterproof shoes/sandals in shallow water or rocky areas and scuff/stamp your feet to let sea creatures you’re approaching.
Jellyfish can sting (even when dead). In England, stings can be painful but are rarely serious, unless stung by sea urchins, stingrays, weever fish and Portuguese man-of-war. If so, leave water to warn others and lifeguard, then rinse with seawater. Remove spines with tweezers (or edge of a bank card), soak in warm water for at least 30 minutes (or use hot towels/flannels) and take painkillers. Do not cover/close wound.
For severe pain (or if stung on the face/genitals or from a stingray, visit minor injuries. For breathing difficulty, chest pain, vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures or severe swelling/bleeding, call 999. Report jellyfish stings.
Dogs are curious, but even dead jellyfish can sting, and lion’s mane jellyfish and Portuguese man o’war in particular can be dangerous. If your dog is stung, rinse area with sea water, remove tentacles/barbs and seek immediate vet advice.
Although quick sea swims for dogs are fine (rinse saltwater off with lukewarm water and dry with towel is fine), on wild swims dogs could be attacked by seals (tired dogs will also follow you, even when tired). Other dangers are seaweed (expands in the stomach as it dries) and blue-green algae. If you take them, go with friends and have someone ‘dog-sit’ nearby.
Exploring Wild Swimming Walks in England
The Ripple Effect is a celebration of whacky wild swimming communities. From student dippers to menopausal mermaids to addiction recovery and male mental health groups, learn what makes wild swim groups tick and why people join pods of other wild swimmers.
Wild Swimming Walks: Exmoor & North Devon (2024) is the latest in a series of popular books. Sophie Pierce is author of the book Green Hill, on how wild swims helped her cope with grief, after the sudden death of her 20-year old son. Co-author Matt has swam from the mainland to the Isle of Wight and from Sicily to mainland Italy.
Other wild swim walk books cover:
The Island Swimmer is a the big-hearted debut novel from Lorraine Kelly, who proves she can write as well as she giggles! The story of a woman who returns home to Orkney’s wild landscape, when her father falls ill. She meets her estranged sister (the relationship broken after a childhood trauma).
Yet as Evie clears out her father’s house, she finds herself drawn to a group of cold-water swimmers, who find calmness beneath the waves. And together they help her face up to mistakes of the past, unlocking a treasure of truths that will reverberate through the community, and shake her family to its core.
The Ultimate ‘Wild Swim’ Across the Channel
The ultimate ‘wild swim’ is of course swimming the channel. No longer are people smothered in goose fat, but times are getting shorter, as people get fitter. It is however pretty dangerous crossing the world’s busiest shipping route. And you still need your passport (carried by boats monitoring) when you arrive!
