There's no greater feeling than taking a liberating wild swim - whether it's on holiday in the Med or in your local lake or tidal pool. But if you're heading to a new location for the first time, make sure you put safety first and consider these 8 open water risks before wading in...
We asked Lee Heard, charity director at the RLSS UK (Royal Lifesaving Society), what to look out for before deciding a body of water is safe to swim.
"Although wild swimming is a fun experience, it is really important to stay safe in the open water", says Lee.
"If you are aware of the potential risks and dangers, you can do a risk assessment before entering the water.
"We always recommend going swimming with a friend, and wearing appropriate clothing such as a wetsuit, a tow float and a brightly coloured swimming hat.
"It's vital to also make sure that when you get out you have appropriate clothing to keep you warm after the swim."
8 wild swimming hazards to look out for
- The shock of cold water which can make swimming difficult and make it more difficult to get out of the water
- A lack of safety equipment which can make a rescue more difficult
- The depth of the water which can be unpredictable
- Underwater objects and hazards which may not be visible
- Obstacles or other people in the water
- Strong currents which can rapidly sweep people away
- Uneven banks and riverbeds
- Water quality, e.g., toxic algal blooms and industrial/agricultural pollution
And, if you're looking for some top UK wild swimming spots that have already been deemed to swim, you can find suggestions here.
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