Is 'wild swimming' the answer to pool season ending? What to know about the risks — and benefits — associated with open-water dips.
The “wild swimming” trend — aka open-water swimming, or taking dips in lakes, rivers, streams or even the sea — isn't exactly new. Still, it has been increasing in popularity over the past decade, from California to the U.K. And with public pools closing as the summer season ends, many swimmers are looking to it as a way to keep up their favorite exercise year-round.
Some swimmers have also found wild swimming to be an antidote to pandemic-era loneliness and mental health struggles. Jessica J. Lee tells Yahoo Life that her wild swimming hobby was a “happy accident” when she was living in Berlin and learned how accessible it was to swim in the city’s many lakes. Lee is a British-Canadian-Taiwanese writer and environmental historian who is now the author of Turning, a memoir about wild swimming. “You can just turn up to the lake and swim, swimsuit optional, which really takes the pressure off,” Lee explains. “No tickets, no bookings, no infrastructure — just open water.”
So, should you try it? Here's what experts say.
The beauty — and benefits — of wild swimming
Those who turn to wild swimming do so for a number of reasons: exercise or meditation, solitude or community … the list goes on. “I do think folks are looking for low-impact exercise and ways to connect with the natural world,” Lee says. “Swimming, when it's non-commercialized, is a really accessible activity.”
And how does it stack up against doing laps in a pool? For starters, there's no chlorine, which can be harsh on the hair and skin. According to swim safety expert Melissa McGarvey of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, open-water swimming also “trains your body differently, increasing cardiovascular endurance, as there are no walls to start, stop and rest like in a pool.”
The perils of wild swimming
But what about the risks? For one thing, wild swimming locations can contain — and expose you to — viruses, pesticides or harmful bacteria such as E. coli or cyanobacteria. If you’re unsure of the water quality where you’re wanting to swim, just do a little research. The lake house rental company Lake, for example, conducted a study analyzing chemical data from the National Water Quality Monitoring Council (NWQMC) for 276 U.S. lakes in order to rank the country's cleanest and dirtiest lakes for wild swimming. Meanwhile, the European Environment Agency publishes an interactive database called State of Bathing Waters, which details the cleanliness levels of thousands of wild swimming spots.
Additional concerns to consider before swimming wild include:
Hidden underwater objects. Be mindful of potential submerged objects — especially if you’re jumping or diving. “In natural water bodies, there’s a good chance of encountering branches, rocks or other obstacles,” says McGarvey.
Unknown depth levels. Unlike pools, lakes and ponds have no designated "shallow" or "deep" ends, and since they’re not typically as clear as a swimming pool, their depth is unknown.
Rip currents. If your wild swimming extends to the ocean, it's crucial to be aware of currents and how to navigate them. “Currents can be deceiving,” explains McGarvey. “They exist even when not noticeable and can be challenging to swim against. If the water is rough (with whitecaps), swimming becomes more difficult and riskier.” In which case, she says, it’s better to wait until the waves calm down.
Cold shock or, in extreme cases, hypothermia. If the water is particularly chilly, it could cause a cold shock “associated with the body's initial response to being immersed in cold water, which can cause dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure,” Dr. Raj Dasgupta, whose specialties include internal medicine, pulmonology and critical care, tells Yahoo Life. In extreme or extended cold, you could end up with a case of hypothermia.
Bureaucracy. What? Yep, the most stealth risk of all: Unexpected laws and regulations surrounding wild swimming. “Too many lakes are being privatized, with high fences, steep access fees and restrictions on how folks should swim,” says Lee. So do your research to avoid getting slapped with a hefty fine mid-swim.
How to stay safe
McGarvey says that it's essential to feel comfortable and confident when in and around the water. This is true of all water activities, wild or otherwise, but “there are additional considerations when it comes to wild swimming,” she says. These include: water quality (you’ll want to ensure the water is free of contaminants and deemed safe for swimming); temperature (as mentioned, open-water swimming often involves lower temperatures, so know your comfort level and check the temps before you jump in); boats and other water craft (stay close to shore and be aware of boats in the area); and swimmer competency (“a life jacket is a must,” says McGarvey, if you're swimming with kids or aren't a strong swimmer). Here are more top tips to stay safe.
Use the buddy system. “Always swim with others or let someone know your plans to stay safe,” says Dasgupta. McGarvey agrees, saying that “regardless of your swimming experience, it's best to have someone nearby as a spotter, ideally in a canoe or kayak, to allow the swimmer to take breaks as needed.”
Wear earplugs. Audiologist Hannah Samuels explains that, with any kind of swimming, ear infections are a risk. Water can easily get inside your ears and “issues can arise if water doesn’t find its own way out,” she tells Yahoo Life. “Infections such as swimmer’s ear develop, which can lead to much more serious ear infections.” She recommends earplugs for protection, and notes that “if you develop any of the symptoms of swimmer’s ear, such as pain, itching, redness or swelling, speak to your doctor about treatment options.”
Consider a wetsuit. Many wild swimmers wear wetsuits when venturing into cold water. While wetsuits can provide insulation and extra buoyancy, some have reported struggling to swim comfortably give the extra weight. Ensuring your wetsuit is the right size — neither too loose nor too tight — is also key.
Check water quality. “Public beaches typically post signs when it is unsafe to swim, but for private bodies of water, simply inspecting and smelling the water can help you make a decision,” says McGarvey. “When in doubt, taking a water sample for proper testing before swimming is highly recommended.”
Enter slowly — and don’t dive. “Since the depth can be unknown, it’s best to enter the water feet-first until you know more about the depth for diving,” says McGarvey.
All in all, “while we can’t say swimming in any body of water is completely safe, there are ways to be proactive and safer in and around water,” says McGarvey.
And while you’re ensuring your own wild swimming safety, don’t forget to ensure the well-being of the wild too. “These are habitats that support more than just our swims,” Lee says. “Respect them, don't damage the banks, don't kick up sediment in the margins and leave it better than you found it.”
