Many people in England now enjoy wild swims, as an alternative to chlorine-filled indoor swimming pools. The ‘in-between’ option is of course a seaside lido, if you live near one.
Wild swims are when you swim in seas, rivers or lakes. Sounds lovely, but of course there are big issues with safety to consider, along with pollution hazards (raw sewage). And other dangers like rocks and jellyfish.
Having said that, if you do it right, wild swims mean you can enjoy swimming as nature intended, and at the same time respect nature and not disturb wildlife.
Never swim near marine creatures like seals, you could spook pups into the water, before they are ready to swim.
Keeping Safe on Wild Swims
Read How to Wild Swim which includes safety tips:
- Know the water: Check depth, flow, temperature and currents.
- Weather watch: Rain, storms, or high winds can change conditions.
- Swim with others: It’s safer and more fun.
- Stick to public spots. Look out for local signs and advice.
- Water shoes: Protect feet from sharp stones and rocks. Scuff/stamp your feet, to let creatures know you’re approaching.
- Waterproof bag: To store your phone (no lifeguards).
- Carry waterproof plasters, a whistle and foil blanket.
If caught in a rip current, wade (don’t swim) parallel to the shore, raise hand and shout for help. A tow float (and bright swim hat) helps.
If phone is out-of-range, call 999 and 112 (diverts to a signal). Download RYA SafeTrx app (with an Irish version) to alert contacts.
Dogs and Wild Swimming Safety
Dogs may be at risk of currents and cramp (dogs will follow you, even if they are tired). Read more on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
Although quick sea swims for dogs are fine (rinse saltwater off with lukewarm water and dry with towel, dogs could be at risk from attacks by seals. 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.
Keep Away from Stinging Jellyfish
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 (this helps to monitor ocean health).
If dogs are at the beach with you, know that 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.
Keeping Warm on (and after) Wild Swims
Rapanui (Isle of Wight) makes organic cotton outdoor clothing, including changing robes and surf towels for men and women. It contains recycled polyester, so launder with a microfibre filter.
Finisterre wetsuits (also for women and rental) are made from wetsuits. This is the best we have so far, and there are eco touches that they have added. These are made with natural rubber that produces 80% less Co2 than traditional neoprene.
All swimming costumes are made from synthetic materials (nylon or recycled plastic bottles). So either rinse and air-dry or use microfibrer filter to launder (caught fibres are sent off for recycling, you receive new cartridges).
Best Spots for Wild Swimming in England
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!
It pays to be aware of issues (Lake Windermere is presently in a political hoo-ha, over raw sewage pollution).
The Ripple Effect is a celebration of whacky wild swimming communities. From student dippers to menopausal mermaids to addiction recovery groups, learn what makes wild swim groups tick.
Wild Swimming Walks: Exmoor & North Devon (2024) is the latest in a series of popular books. Sophie Pierce is author of 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:
England’s Ultimate ‘Wild Swim’
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!
