TAKE THE
PLUNGE More than half of Outdoor Swimmer’s survey participants said they enjoyed it more than they expected. (C) BASIL ARDEN
Swimming in Britain’s navigable rivers is free, fun and good for you, says Simon Griffiths
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egular users of Britain’s waterways may have noticed an upsurge in wild swimmers since the start of the first lockdown in 2020. Data collected by Outdoor Swimmer magazine shows the number of people swimming outside increased by between one-anda-half and three times last summer, compared to 2019. Many of these people will continue swimming in rivers, lakes and the sea when pools reopen because they had such a positive experience. More than half (52%) said they enjoyed it more than they expected, 47% liked it as much as they expected and only 1% liked it less than they thought they would. The main reasons people say they swim outdoors is because it does them good and they enjoy it. In Outdoor Swimmer’s survey, three-quarters of respondents said it is essential or very important for their general wellbeing. Other reasons people swim outdoors include connecting with nature, supporting their mental health, and simply having fun. Does that tempt you to join them? Speaking from personal experience, boating can offer plenty of wild swimming opportunities. Moreover, it’s free, and you don’t need to be a great swimmer. All that’s required is that you’re comfortable in water, can float, and are able to propel yourself gently forwards or backwards.
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Getting started Assuming you’re in good health and have no underlying conditions that might be a risk factor when swimming, you first need to find a safe and legal place to swim. In general, swimming is permitted in navigable rivers. However, there are restrictions around locks (you wouldn’t want to swim near locks or weirs for safety reasons anyway) and there may be local by-laws prohibiting swimming in certain spots. You also need to ensure you’re not trespassing on private land to reach the
water, so access the water using public paths or from a boat. Swimming in canals is usually not allowed. Make your first swim short. Call it a dip rather than a swim. Keep your feet on the riverbed if you like and just immerse yourself up to your shoulders. Try a few easy strokes if you feel like it. Head-up breaststroke is perfect. Once you’ve done a couple of dips, and depending how confident you feel, you can extend your swim but still keep it short while you develop a feel for wild
Canal swimming is generally not allowed – the Red Bull Neptune Steps race at Maryhill Locks on the Forth & Clyde is an exception.
Summer 2021 20/04/2021 11:24
