Let’s embrace the joy and benefits of wild swimming

I seem to be drawn to wild swimming at the moment, not actually doing it, but thinking about it and then by coincidence reading articles and hearing people talk about the joy and benefits of wild swimming.

I have also been re-reading Roger Deakin’s masterpiece of a book « Waterlog » - his personal story of swimming through the British Isles – a magical book celebrating water, the water indeed became his natural habitat. According to some scientists we have a natural affinity to water, for example, we have that extra layer of fat to keep us warm, we swim for joy, babies take naturally to swimming, we have a webbing between our thumbs and forefinger, in fact we are transformed when we are near water, on a beach or just swimming.

During Covid wild swimming became a very popular activity, a rediscovered hobby, an antidote to loneliness and good for mental and physical health. Not being able to travel meant people loooked to do things nearer home and so took up wild swimming which in fact has been part of the UK culture for centuries, but somewhat forgotten of late.

Seas, rivers, lakes lochs some swim in them all year round! It is simple, cheap, you use the minimum of equipment and it is a great way to explore new places. There are groups of people who get together, independent spirits perhaps, who enjoy the adventure of swimming in the cold, outdoor water. They say it is always good to swim with someone and try to plan your wild swim and also train a little before with for example, cold plunges or pool training, but just swim within your capabilities, take no big risks and often swim socks, gloves and a cap are advised to help with the cold shock.

I read an article on some great wild swimming spots in the Limousin which included Vassivière, Lac de la Vaud Gelade, Lac de St Pardoux and the rivers Creuse, Gartempe, Vienne, Maulde and Dordogne. I feel inspired to try some of these wild swimming places, maybe when it finally stops raining anf the temperature goes up a little. Last year I did enjoy swimming in the natural swimming pool in Marsac, an activity to be repeated this year without a doubt.

It is a shame that some swimming water has pollution problems. In Oxford there is an official Designated Bathing Place on the River Thames, one of only 2 in the UK. However, at this spot there are now notices saying Swimming Forbidden ! Pollution no doubt from businesses pumping toxic stuff into the river – a sad state of affairs !