Wild swimming was first popularised in the UK back in 1999 when the author and environmentalist Roger Deakin released his book, Waterlog. Subtitled A Swimmer’s Journey Through Britain, the book traced his journey through Britain’s waterways as he swam its rivers, lakes, moats, ditches, and seas.
Deakin’s book became the world’s swimming manifesto, though the hobby remained niche. In Covid lockdowns, the joy and freedom of outdoor swimming were rediscovered, and the movement has only gained in popularity.
But it has its downsides too. Swimming unaccompanied or in unknown stretches of water – with their own flows and currents – can be dangerous. It’s also been hard to miss news stories about the raw sewage being pumped into our rivers and seas by water companies, and the threat to human health this poses.
With this in mind, keep reading for a look at the health and wellbeing benefits, as well as some of the potential drawbacks of wild swimming this late summer and autumn.
Wild swimming can create incredible opportunities and vistas and help you to meet new people
Physical and emotional wellbeing
First up, swimming is incredibly good exercise. It’s a cardio and muscle workout that is easy on your joints, making it a low-impact way to meet your weekly activity targets that could also:
- Strengthen your heart and tone your muscles
- Aid recovery and help manage long-term conditions and joint pain
- Lower stress and improve mental wellbeing.
In 2022, the British Journal of General Practice wrote that “while the potential physical and mental health benefits reflect those of all forms of aerobic exercise, additional psychological health benefits specific to [wild] swimming have been recently acknowledged, such as its potential high efficacy for treating major depression.”
Swimming is great exercise, then. But take this exercise outdoors, and you also benefit from being in fresh air and nature.
And the UK has lots of beautiful nature to explore. BBC Travel, writing in June 2021 as Covid restrictions lifted, lists “floating past a stately home by the River Derwent… dodging monsters at Loch Ness or dipping into Wales’s very own Blue Lagoon in Pembrokeshire”.
And there are plenty of beautiful wild swimming locations closer to home too (see below).
Social benefits
Wild swimming isn’t new, but it has gained in popularity in recent years. After Deakin’s book all but launched the movement, Outdoor Swimming magazine (as told by the BBC) reported a 94% increase in internet searches for “wild swimming” between 2019 and 2020.
With the rise in popularity came the emergence of wild swimming groups and organised events. According to The Outdoor Swimming Society, more than 1 million Brits now belong to at least one outdoor swimming group.
This makes wild swimming a great way to meet like-minded people and form a new friendship group. You might find this particularly useful if you’re newly retired and looking for a new hobby or retirement purpose.
Joining an organised group can ensure you swim safely alongside other precautions
Know your limits
Wild swimming has its dangers. From tides and currents to cold water and extreme weather, the UK’s waterways must be treated with respect.
You’ll understand your own swimming ability and know the level of risk you’re comfortable with. Generally, swimming alone is inadvisable, so swim with a friend or partner, or as part of an organised group if you can.
If you are in a small group – or part of the wild swimming adventure for you means being alone – be sure to do a recce from the shore first. Also research the spot ahead of time.
You know your fitness level and capabilities, but you also need to know the challenge your potential swim represents. If there’s a gap – or any other outside factors are unfavourable – go back another day.
Pollution and sewage
There are health risks linked to the pollution of UK waterways you need to be aware of. Surfers Against Sewage report 4.7 million hours of sewage were dumped into UK waters in 2024, and reports have been prevalent all summer about this continued practice.
Water companies release sewage-polluted water into UK waterways when their systems become overloaded, usually after heavy rain. This pollution adds to bacteria already in the water – carried in the urine of rodents and livestock, for example – which can be dangerous.
Broadly speaking, you should stick to wild swimming locations advocated by local wild swimming groups and avoid swimming in rivers after heavy rain. Try to swallow as little water as possible, cover open cuts and scratches before swimming, and shower directly after. If you feel ill after swimming, seek medical advice.
3 local spots perfect for dipping a toe into wild swimming
1. Castle Ashby
One-hour open-water swim sessions occur daily at Castle Ashby Estate’s freshwater lake. The sessions are supervised by expert lifeguards, who can provide advice on swim length and safety during colder periods.
The swim is open to over-16s only, and the schedule can be viewed on the Castle Ashby Estate website, where you can also sign up and read more.
2. Box End Park
Box End Park offers a fun family day out encompassing water sports like wakeboarding and paddleboarding.
You’ll also find reasonably priced open-water swim sessions aimed at confident swimmers, and open-water confidence courses (held on dry land) covering safety and technique. The course finishes with supported entry into the water.
3. Great Ouse
Wild Open Water identifies three wild swimming locations along the Great Ouse, at Stony Stratford, Haversham, and here in Olney.
Just be sure to take all the necessary precautions listed above, know your limits, and, most importantly, enjoy your outdoor swimming adventure.
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