Wild Swimming Safety: 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Get In
Wild swimming is one of the best ways to get outside.
But natural water isn't a swimming pool.
There are no lane ropes, no heated water and, depending on where you're swimming, no lifeguard watching from the side.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't wild swim. It means you should understand the water you're getting into.
Here's our guide to wild swimming safety, including the biggest things to think about before your next swim.
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1. Check the conditions before you swim
Before you get in, check the weather, wind, water conditions and tides if you're swimming at the coast. Conditions can change quickly, and somewhere that looked calm yesterday might be completely different today.
It's also worth checking the water quality before every swim. Water Safety Scotland highlights water quality, including pollution and toxic algal blooms, as one of the risks to consider when swimming outdoors.
The free Safer Seas & Rivers Service (SSRS) from Surfers Against Sewage is a really useful tool for this. It provides water quality information and real-time pollution alerts for swim spots across the UK, so you can check whether there are any current warnings before you head into the water.
For more general open-water safety advice, Water Safety Scotland's open water swimming guidance recommends checking the weather and tides, choosing your swimming spot carefully, going with a buddy and making sure you have the right equipment.
And if you're swimming somewhere unfamiliar, don't assume that because you can see other people swimming there, it is automatically safe. Take a few minutes to understand the water and the conditions before you get in.
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2. Know your swimming spot
Before getting in, know:
- Where you're entering
- Where you're getting out
- How deep the water is
- Whether there are currents
- Whether there are underwater hazards
- Whether the area is designated for swimming
If you're visiting somewhere new, take a look around before you get changed.
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3. Don't underestimate cold water
Cold water can affect your breathing and ability to move. Water below 15°C is considered cold water, and sudden immersion can cause cold water shock.
This is why jumping straight into cold water isn't a great idea for a beginner. Enter gradually and give yourself time to adjust.
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4. Know your limits
Wild swimming isn't a competition.
You don't get extra points for swimming further, staying in longer or choosing colder water. If you're cold, tired, uncomfortable or something doesn't feel right, get out.
Water Safety Scotland's advice is simple: if in doubt, don't go out.
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5. Don't swim alone
Especially when you're new to wild swimming, go with someone else. Swimming with a buddy means there's someone there if something unexpected happens.
Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.
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6. Be visible
Open water can be busy.
A bright swim hat and tow float can make you easier to see, particularly around boats and other water users. Water Safety Scotland recommends being visible with a brightly coloured swim hat and using a tow float.
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7. Take the right kit
Your safety kit doesn't have to be complicated.
Depending on your swim, you may want:
- Tow float
- Bright swim hat
- Suitable swimwear/wetsuit
- Swimming socks
- Swimming gloves
- Waterproof phone
- Warm clothes for afterwards
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8. Know what to do if you get into trouble
If you find yourself struggling in the water, the RNLI's advice is Float to Live.
Tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, and gently move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety if you're able.
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9. Know how to get help
If you're swimming at the coast and need emergency assistance, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
For inland water, emergency arrangements can differ, so know the location you're swimming at and how to describe where you are.
If someone else gets into difficulty, don't put yourself in danger by entering the water. The RNLI advises calling for help and using the "phone, float, throw" approach where appropriate.
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10. Have an exit plan
This sounds obvious.
Until you're cold, tired and standing on a slippery bank. Before you get in, know exactly where you're getting out. Make sure you can actually get out from that point and that the route isn't blocked by rocks, steep banks, reeds or other hazards.
Your swim isn't finished when you decide to stop swimming.
It's finished when you're safely out, dry and warming up.
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Wild swimming safety checklist
Before every swim, ask yourself:
- Have I checked the conditions?
- Do I know the water?
- Do I know where I'm getting out?
- Am I swimming within my ability?
- Have I got the right kit?
- Does someone know where I am?
- Am I happy with the conditions today?
If the answer to any of these is no, stop and reconsider.
Because the best wild swim is the one you come home from wanting to do again.