How to Safely Enjoy Outdoor Wild Swimming
Only in England would you find people who would go wild swimming early on Christmas morning, then go back inside to enjoy tea and cake! Wild swims are popular nationwide, but it’s important to do it right, as obviously there are not lifeguards, plus hazards from bad weather to rocks, glass and jellyfish.
The ‘in-between’ option is of course a seaside lido, if you live near one.
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, 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 changing robes and surf towels for men and women. Launder with a microfibre filter (contain recycled polyester).
- Finisterre wetsuits (also for women and rental) are made from recycled materials. Again they have some synthetic material, but are the greenest options so far.
- All swimming costumes are made from synthetic materials (nylon or recycled plastic bottles). So rinse and air-dry (if you wash, again use a microfibre filter.
Best Spots for Wild Swimming in England
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’
Swimming the channel is obviously only for experts. No longer are people smothered in goose fat. And times are getting shorter, as people get fitter. It’s still pretty dangerous, as you are crossing the world’s busiest shipping route. And you still need your passport (carried by boats) when you arrive in France!
The first attempt at the cross channel swim was by 23-year old J.B. Johnson in 1872. He hired a brass brand in Dover who played for three hours, before he set off. He swam for 45 minutes before downing some brandy, swam for another hour before having another brandy. After another 1 hour and 20 minutes, the cold water was too much, and he boarded the boat!
The first successful crossing was in 1875, when Paul Boyton wore a rubber suit designed for passengers on sinking ships. The first woman to complete the swim was American Gertrude Ederle, in 1926 (it took her just over 14 hours). Soon Amelia Gade Corson followed suit (her husband rowed alongside her, supplying her with hot chocolate, crackers and sugar lumps!)
