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Take a Dip Outdoors Outdoor swimming has become popular recently. It is a simple, low-cost activity with minimal gear needs. It can be as easy as downloading a map of the best wild swimming places in the UK and heading off with your swimsuit and a towel. ‘Wild swimming’ refers to swimming in rivers, lakes, pools, the sea in more out-of-the-way locations with no lifeguard supervision, while ‘open water swimming’ refers to swimming in a river or lake within a designated area under the watchful eye of lifeguards. Both types of swimming present an opportunity to exercise, explore the local countryside and visit new places to try different waters. Swimming outdoors is beneficial for our physical health and our mental wellbeing. A study published in British Medical Journal Case Reports suggested that cold water swimming may be effective in the treatment of depression. The theory is that subjecting the body to the physical stress of cold water helps to adapt it to the stress response associated with depression and anxiety. While more evidence is needed for confirmation, so many people have reported the mood-enhancing benefits of open water swimming that specialist groups have been formed where swimmers offer mutual support and share their own experiences. True wild swimming requires no memberships, but there are registered clubs and swimming groups around the UK. The Outdoor Swimming Society’s membership grew by 36% in 2020. You don’t need to be fast or competitive, but you do need to be a competent swimmer.
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If you are attending a supervised session, they are often in or near parks open to the public. Changing facilities can be limited so it’s better to arrive ready to swim, although there are readily available ‘modesty robes’ which can be purchased from sports shops. Though there are no laws against being naked in public in England and Wales, venues can set their own rules and most require that you avoid nudity. Supervised sessions often need to be booked in advance and swimmers are checked in and checked out by volunteers. Whether you are wild swimming alone or open water swimming in a group it is advisable to wear a bright swim cap and a tow float. Some supervised venues insist on this in their rules. The floats and cap make you easy to spot if you get into difficulty, and as open water can be deep a tow float is a good floatation device if you get tired and need to stop for a while. Bear in mind that water outside is cold, even in the summer months. You will adapt though, the more regularly you swim in open water. A wetsuit will help, and you can buy neoprene hats, gloves, and socks to protect you. One advantage of supervised sessions is that the water quality is usually tested regularly to ensure maximum safety. They are a great place to start your outdoor swimming journey. Most sessions are run by volunteers who are passionate about open water swimming. They want you to be safe and get the most from your swim, so talk to them…then maybe offer to volunteer yourself. By Gemma Brown
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