GO WILD!

Wild swimming is one of the UK’s fastest growing sports. Its popularity shot up during the COVID-19 pandemic, but unlike banana bread – another lockdown favourite – wild swimming is still buoyant. What’s the appeal? Joanne Fairclough headed to Pennington Flash in Leigh to find out.

It’s a perfect summer’s evening and I’m a bit envious as wild swimmer Phil wades into the calm, inviting water and swims off. The teacher from Cheshire took up indoor swimming to help his childhood asthma, then decided to challenge himself in open water. He’s part of a group who meet up weekly to enjoy what they describe as an exhilarating hobby.

The weather is balmy, but surely there’s no pleasure in doing this when everyone else has their big coats on? Yet Phil and his friends swim throughout the year – it’s clear they love being in the water, come rain or shine (and wind, hail and ice!)

“The swimming is obviously good for you,” he says, “but so is being surrounded by the peace, quiet and lovely scenery. Out here is blue green therapy at its best. It’s relaxing and energising at the same time. A Saturday morning swim can give you a boost of energy that lasts the whole weekend.”

There’s another surprising advantage. Avid wild swimmer and medical professional Nina explains how shivering burns extra calories. Now we’re talking.

“Shivering burns calories as your muscles move to generate heat. Being in cold water uses sugar and fat from your body to produce heat.”

Surely you need to be a strong swimmer to be safe? Mark dips in (to the conversation) to reassure me about my limited swimming abilities. “You don’t have to swim far. Some of us do, but others choose to ‘dip’ and stay near the shore. Either way, you still experience an intense sense of alertness and ‘feel good’ factor.”

In and out of the water it’s a real social occasion – something else scientists say is good for us. Swimmers are in high spirits as they emerge from the water to wrap up in warm clothes and share tea and cake.

I may have ‘forgotten’ my bathers this time, but I’m definitely tempted to take the plunge. Never say never!

When we shiver our muscles burn sugar or fat to keep our bodies warm.

More Information

To learn how to stay safe and discover wild swimming spots by you visit: nowca.org

DIP YOUR TOE?

The Romans were fans of cold water bathing and recent research by the University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environment Laboratory suggests they were right. And it’s our mental health that benefits the most.

Open water swimming can be dangerous. Stay safe with our tips:

Keep your clothes handy so you can get dressed quickly. Have a drink and snack to hand to start gently rewarming your body up.

Don’t swim alone. Joining a club is ideal and will have safer measures in place. Check out National Open Water Coaching Association (NOWCA) website.

Use a tow float and brightly coloured swimming cap so you are clearly visible. Special gloves and socks will protect your hands and feet which will be the first places to feel very cold.

Build up slowly. Your body will adjust to the cold – it becomes easier over time, promise. You will shiver which might affect driving. Stay put, have a hot drink, chat and enjoy the view.