Wild swimming is very popular these days, although it’s important to find safe areas, follow expert advice and this also applies to dogs if they go with you (not all dogs are good swimmers, and some get cramp). You can find out more and discover good regions and safety tips at Wild Swimming website. There are many wild swimming clubs, including those daft people who go out on freezing Christmas mornings for a dip, then head back to a beach hut for cake – only in England!
How to Wild Swim is the ultimate guide by expert Ella Foote, who shows how to have fun but still stay safe. Find short wild swims and weekend breaks or off-grid wild swim holidays.
The Ripple Effect is a celebration of whacky wild swimming communities. Wild swimming is now a movement where people dip and laugh, and share stories of support. 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 is a series of books where you can find local swims, plus walks if you prefer to keep your feet on dry land. They cover:
The ultimate ‘wild swim’ is of course swimming across the channel. No longer are people smothered in goose fat, but the times are getting shorter, as people get fitter. It is however pretty dangerous these days crossing the world’s busiest shipping route, and you still need your passport (likely carried by boats monitoring) when you arrive! Also read of the greenest choices for swimwear.