From chilly dips in hidden lagoons to epic lakes and rivers<\/a> and the sea, wild swimming is all the rage in the UK, but how do you get started? Before heading for a wild swim it is important to do some research into water safety and ensure you\u2019ve got the correct kit.<\/p>\n Here is our essential wild swimming guide, including guidance on water safety, tips on how to get used to swimming in cold water, best swimming kit, plus our pick of the best wild swimming spots in the UK.<\/p>\n Wild swimming is essentially swimming outdoors in natural spaces, such as rivers, lakes or the sea. It has seen a surge in popularity in recent years with more and more people taking to the water on a regular basis.<\/p>\n Wild swimming \u2013 or swimming in general can be a fun and enjoyable activity. Swimming outdoors is a great way to stay fit and connect with nature but some basic safety precautions must be taken. Each year a number of water-related accidents and deaths could potentially be avoided by following proper safety measures.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n More related content:<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> Open water is usually cold and may be very deep. There can be hazards like shopping trolleys or broken glass in rivers and lakes. Shingle beaches \u2018shelve\u2019 quickly, often becoming very deep not far from shore. Riverbanks can be slippery and hard to climb.<\/p>\n These potential hazards don\u2019t mean you should stick to indoor swimming pools, but it\u2019s good to be prepared. Here is our outdoor swimming water safety guide. If you discover a river of cool water and you\u2019re itching to dive in, check the water\u2019s flow first. Throw in a stick or branch \u2013<\/span><\/span> if it floats off faster than you can swim, you won\u2019t be able to beat the current when returning upstream. Avoid.<\/p>\n Diving or jumping should be carried out with great caution, even if you frequent a particular spot. Rocks, sand, branches and rubbish may have been swept downstream, creating shallow patches and hazards. If you must dive or jump always check the water is obstacle free and gauge the depth first by getting in and checking it out from the water, not from the side.<\/p>\n Outdoor swimming spots are often chilly, even in the summer months, so zip yourself up in a wetsuit and work on acclimatising slowly (see our guide to acclimatisation above).<\/p>\n Hypothermia comes on gradually. You may start to feel \u2018foggy\u2019 or excessively tired. These are early warning signs. If your teeth start chattering or you\u2019re starting to shiver then get out, dry yourself, put on some dry clothing and do some light exercise to heat your body back up \u2013 a walk is enough.<\/p>\n How to acclimatise and avoid cold water shock<\/strong><\/p>\n Cold water shock can be deadly so even if you\u2019re head to toe in neoprene it\u2019s better not to jump into open water. Instead, ease in and give yourself a few minutes to adjust to the temperature.Cold water triggers an involuntary \u2018gasp\u2019 response. You may find you\u2019re breathing more quickly or even feeling panicked. Allow these sensations to subside for a minute or two before actually swimming and splash water on your face before dipping your head under in a few times.You will get used to cold water after just a few swims but build up the amount of time you spend in colder water gradually. On windy days you will lose body heat more quickly.<\/p>\n If you feel very cold, are shivering, or notice your skin is going white or even blue then it is time to get out. Warm up by removing damp swimwear and putting on a dryrobe or towel. Sip a hot drink and try to keep moving by walking on the spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> Always know and plan your escape routes, in case you get into trouble or need to get out of the water fast. Remember that riverbanks can be slippery and may be hard to climb so scout out shallow areas that will be easy to scramble out of.<\/p>\n Blue-green algae is a slippery and potentially dangerous substance. Avoid if possible. If it\u2019s rife, move to a different location. It\u2019s most commonly found around lakes in the late summer, and can cause skin rash, irritation to the eyes and sickness if swallowed.<\/p>\n Avoid swimming alone. A friend will maximise your safety when wild swimming, and as a bonus it\u2019ll make your swim will be more enjoyable. If swimming with a friend isn\u2019t possible then trail a bright tow float behind you on a cord and wear a colourful swim hat \u2013<\/span><\/span> red is the most visible. Although they\u2019re not designed as buoyancy aids and should never be relied on as such, tow floats also give you something to hang onto for a second if you need a rest. Some have waterproof pockets to put valuables in, or storage for water and snacks.<\/p>\n Weeds and reeds can be annoying but become dangerous if they are very thick. If you swim into dense reeds, avoid thrashing or fast movements and use your arms to swim away from that area. Pike<\/a> also like to hide in submerged freshwater vegetation \u2013<\/span><\/span> another reason to avoid them!<\/p>\n Always cover up nicks and scratches with a good quality water resistant plaster.<\/p>\n Cramps<\/a> are uncomfortable at the best of times, but in water they can be dangerous. Prevention is better than cure, so make sure you\u2019re well hydrated before you get in. Dehydration and excessive strain on muscles can cause cramp, particularly during a long swim \u2013<\/span><\/span> if this does occur swim backstroke back to shore and rehydrate before swimming again.<\/p>\n Young children need constant supervision in water and a good quality buoyancy aid is recommended. Lilos should be avoided as they can be blown across open water easily or drift in a current.<\/p>\n We turned to Helen Webster<\/a>, Editor of 220 Triathlon<\/a>, for advice on what to wear when wild swimming.<\/p>\nWhat is wild swimming?<\/h2>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Is wild swimming safe?<\/h2>\n
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<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>How to stay safe wild swimming<\/h2>\n
Check the current<\/h3>\n<\/div>
Gauge the depth<\/h3>\n<\/div>
Don\u2019t get too cold<\/h3>\n<\/div>
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Have an escape plan<\/h3>\n<\/div>
Know your algae<\/h3>\n<\/div>
Don\u2019t swim alone<\/h3>\n<\/div>
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>Watch out for reeds<\/h3>\n<\/div>
Cover open wounds<\/h3>\n<\/div>
Don\u2019t stray too far from the shore<\/h3>\n<\/div>
Take care of children<\/h3>\n<\/div>
What to wear wild swimming<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Swimsuit or jammers<\/h3>\n
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