Warm weather, more sunlight and nutrient-rich waters create ideal conditions for blue-green algae to thrive. Would you know what to look out for in your local swimming spot?

As we head into summer, warm weather, more sunlight and nutrient-rich waters create ideal conditions for blue-green algae to thrive and grow rapidly – troublesome for swimmers and pets who want to take a dip. But would you know what to look out for?

What is blue-green algae?

Algae are naturally forming, found in all water bodies and are an essential part of aquatic life. The same goes for blue-green algae.

“The algae’s ability to control its own buoyancy means that during bright sunny weather, the algae migrate to the surface layer of lakes and still waters,” says Alison Holmes, one of the Environment Agency’s Environment Monitoring Specialists based in Cumbria.

“During long periods of settled, sunny and warm weather with little or no wind, blue-green algae can multiply to such an extent that blooms can form. In the right conditions, gentle breezes can move it into bays where it’s more visible.”

But when does blue-green algae become dangerous?

“Bloom and scum forming blue-green algae can produce toxins,” says Alison. “These toxins can be harmful to people and animals. Not all blue-green algae blooms are toxic, but you can’t tell by looking at them, so it’s best to assume they are.”

“Affected water bodies may appear green, blue-green or greenish brown, and can produce musty, earthy or grassy odours,” says Alison. “Blooms can also cause foaming on the
shoreline and the water can become less clear.”

In humans, blue-green algae blooms have been known to cause rashes, eye irritation, vomiting or other illnesses if swallowed. It pays to know what to look out for and to go with your gut.

“If it doesn’t look right, move to where the water is clearer,” says Alison.

What to do if you spot an algal bloom

If you spot an algal bloom, you can report it to the Environment Agency by calling their 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 807060 or reporting it via the Blooming Algae App. Swimmers in Cumbria and Lancashire can also consult a map of confirmed blooms via the Environment Agency’s Water Hub.

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As outdoor water temperatures rise, it’s tempting to swim further and stay in longer. Simon shares his recent experience that has reminded him how important it is to respect the water and listen to your body

As outdoor water temperatures rise, it’s tempting to swim further and stay in longer. A recent experience reminded me how important it is to respect the water, adjust for changing conditions, and listen to your body.

What happened?

Two weeks ago, I swam for 45 minutes in water that was 15.5°C. I felt a little chilly, shivered briefly after dressing, but then warmed up quickly. A week later, with the water at 16.5°C, I planned for a longer swim of an hour but started feeling cold after just 20 minutes. I cut the swim short at 30 minutes, but I was already shivering as I left the water, and it only got worse as I dressed. Even with layers, blankets and hot water bottles, it took much longer to feel warm again.

What made the difference?

• Cooler air and a stiff northern breeze. This meant I started getting cold before I even got in the water, and lost heat quicker from my arms and back while swimming due to wind chill.
• Cloudy skies and no direct sunlight. I don’t know how much difference having the warm sun on your back makes, but I missed it.
• I was coming down with a bug, which I suspect weakened my cold tolerance

Lesson learned

Water temperature is important, but it’s not the only factor in determining your safe swimming limits. Air temperature, wind, sun exposure, and your own health all play a role. If you find yourself getting colder faster than usual, adjust your swim accordingly, even if the water temperature suggests you could stay in longer.

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Getting started with anything new is often the hardest part but with little kit and some basic knowledge you can start your outdoor swimming journey.

How safe is it?

Any outdoor activity comes with some risk, outdoor swimming is no different. It can be a safe and enjoyable sport or hobby. Understanding some of the risk is the first step to being safe.

• Sounds obvious but ensure you can swim at a basic level. Can you tread water, float on your back or swim confidently back to your depth if required?
• Think before you swim. Check your entry and exit points and consider currents, direction of flow and tides depending on where you plan to swim.
• Don’t mix swimming and alcohol
• Swim with other people – ideally that know the area and have swum in open water before, or with someone on dryland who could seek help if needed.
• Don’t jump in. Enter the water slowly but consistently to prevent ‘cold water shock’ – that gasping reaction to plunging into cold water.
• Make sure you’re visible in the water. Wear a brightly coloured cap and consider using a tow-float
• If someone gets in trouble, don’t put yourself at risk but call for help – dial 999 or 112.
• If you find yourself in difficulty FLOAT TO LIVE – a simple technique where you tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.Weather, tides, currents and conditions

There is a lot to explore with conditions of swimming, as a beginner focus on fair-weather swimming to start with.

• Check the weather forecast – wind will make you feel cooler even on a warm day, rain will make changing and drying harder.
• If sea swimming check tide times, swell and wind. These can all impact the quality and safety of a swim
• With river swimming, ensure you know the direction of flow and consider the area catchment, flash floods and flow can happen in mountain rivers when there is heavy rain upstream.
• Have a basic understanding of the body of water you want to swim in and how you will enter and exit the water.

Water quality

Natural bodies of water will never be guaranteed to be free of pathogens, but some simple advice can avoid issues.

• Don’t swim after heavy rainfall. There will be more debris and water quality will be reduced.
• Cover any open wounds, cuts, or grazes. Wash hands when you get out, especially before eating.
• Check your technique – you shouldn’t take on too much water while swimming!
• Use the Rivers Trust map or Surfers Against Sewage to check up-to-date reports on poor water quality.

Swim with others

There are a number of outdoor swimming groups across the UK and world that you can join for free at any time. Search for ‘swimming’ and your area across social channels and you will easily find a group. Communities like the Bluetits and OSS are also a great place to start. Other places you can swim with support are:

• Lidos and outdoor pools, there are more than you think! These offer lifeguards and facilities.
• Supervised venues – offer lifeguards, in-water support, and facilities. You can find a list of swimming venues here.
• Lifeguarded beaches – in the UK lifeguards only operate in late spring and summer seasons. But you can find your nearest on the RNLI website.

Where to swim

If you want a more wild experience lidos and supervised venues might not be what you are looking for. But are you allowed to swim anywhere? The rules for public right to roam in England and Wales is very different to Scotland, where swimmers have the right to swim as part of their right to responsible access. There are a number of places where swimming is accepted and the battle for access continues. Some simple access rules:

• You can swim freely in the sea.
• Rivers with public navigation for boats is considered as public right to swim – just watch out for boats!
• If there is a footpath or public highway that runs alongside or across water, you can enter the water from it too. Just watch out for water that flows through private land. Although the landowner only owns the banks and river bed, not the water, it can lead to frustrating arguments while swimming, so better to avoid.
• Some reservoirs, not all, allow swimming. They are usually owned by water companies and most have a ‘no swimming’ rule, some for good reason, so find somewhere else.
• Inland bathing areas like Frensham Pond, River Wharfe at Ilkley and Port Meadow in Oxford are accepted swimming spots. Find more on bathing water quality on the Environment Agency Service.

What you will need

• Swimsuit, goggles, bright swim hat and towel for after. Simple and basic. Especially on warm day.
• Water shoe or sock, protect feet from cuts and abrasions. Also swim socks can keep toes and feet a bit warmer.
• Wetsuit – great piece of kit for getting started, will keep you warmer and more buoyant in the water.
• Tow float – good for visibility in the water, carrying dry clothes or emergency items like mobile phone.
• Warm clothes and hat for after, even in summer. Getting dry and dressed in layers can help you warm up after a period of time in the water.
• Changing robe – not essential, a variety on the market – can help for getting changed after swimming, many wind and rain proof too.

Have fun!

Don’t rush your outdoor swimming experience. Build up your experiences slowly, each time you go to the water do a little bit more and challenge yourself sensibly.

The post Starting out – basic guide to swimming outdoors appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

Rips are strong currents flowing out to sea that can carry the unwary swimmer far from the beach in a short space of time

With many of us flocking to the beach over the Easter break, it’s advisable to brush up on the hazards that can quickly turn a fun day trip into a scary situation.

According to the RNLI, the majority of lifeguard incidents involve rip currents and they are a major cause of accidental drowning on beaches all over the world.

Rip currents in the sea can catch out even the most experienced beachgoers, so here are our top tips for how to minimize the risks, and what to do if you’re ever caught in a rip current.

What is a rip current?

Rips are currents flowing out to sea that can carry the unwary swimmer far from the beach in a short space of time. Rip currents occur when the water from waves crashing on the beach sweeps back to sea through a narrow channel (e.g. a break in a sandbar below the surface). The current stream can be relatively narrow – perhaps just 10m or so across – but too fast moving to swim against.

They are especially powerful in larger surf, but they’re also found around river mouths, estuaries and man-made structures like piers and groynes.

How do I spot a rip current?

Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but often look like a channel of flat, darker water surrounded by choppy, churning water.

How to avoid rip currents

• Don’t swim near rocks, piers and groynes
• Stay within your depth where waves are breaking
• Choose a life guided beach and swim between the red and yellow flags

RNLI’s advice on what to do if you’re caught in a rip

• Stay calm – don’t panic.
• If you can stand, wade. Don’t try to swim.
• If you have an inflatable or board, keep hold of it to help
  you float.
• Raise your hand and shout for help loudly.
• Don’t swim directly against the rip or you’ll get exhausted.
• Swim parallel to the beach until free of the rip, then make
  for shore.
• If you can’t swim, float. Lean back in the water and extend
  your arms and legs.

Read our Safety and Risk Assessment guidance

Photo by Alan Rodriguez on unsplash.com

The post What is a rip current and how do I avoid it? appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

Working with swim venues to ensure safety for swimmers and developing technology to give swimmers extra peace of mind: NOWCA has been making waves in keeping us safe in the water

Sponsored content.

Our August issue is all about swimming safe, and celebrates all the incredible individuals and organisations who support our passion for swimming in the open air.

One of the organisations we celebrate is NOWCA, the UK’s leading open water venue network with over 40 swimming locations.

What is NOWCA, and how does it keep swimmers safe?

Safe places to swim

NOWCA (pronounced ‘Know-car’) is an open water venue network with over 40 swimming locations across the UK. The organisation gives each venue free access to its specialized systems designed to make swimmers safer, reduce admin and put money back in the pockets of the swimming venues. This ultimately enables more people to swim more often and more safely.

When you swim at a NOWCA-affiliated venue, such as London Royal Docks, Queenford Lakes or Manley Mere, you know you’re swimming somewhere that has swimmer safety at the top of its priorities.

A safety app

In addition to its range of perks for members, NOWCA recently launched NOWCA Wild – a new safety tool for wild swimmers and groups. As well as using the app to search for swimming locations, you can also track your swims, set up a safety contact and seek out local groups you can arrange to swim with.

Find out more about how digital editor Abi got on with the NOWCA Wild app while on a day out near Bristol.

Swim safety coaching

NOWCA’s founder, Rick Kiddle – former British triathlon champion – helped develop the very first Open Water Swimming qualification, the STA Level 2 Open Water Swimming Coaching. NOWCA now runs the STA Open Water Coaching and RLSS Open Water Lifeguard qualification, and their team of Trainer Assessors means they’re able to further support the training and development of lifeguards and coaches. NOWCA also provides a series of online courses for open water swimmers that impart exactly the kind of knowledge we need to swim more safely.

A growing network

Week by week, more safe swimming locations are added to NOWCA’s network alongside more community groups joining NOWCA Wild and more safety advice being added to the app’s resources. NOWCA is a growing community of wild swimmers, and we’re excited to see how it’s journey continues to unfold!

Find out more about becoming a member of NOWCA or joining the venue network at nowca.org

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What you need to know before you swim outdoors

Before we had swimming pools, everyone one swam outside. After generations of plodding up and down between lane ropes we’ve been conditioned to think swimming in tanks is normal. But it’s not. Now, thousands of people are rediscovering the joys and freedom of swimming outside in natural bodies of water. One thing swimming pools have going for them is that they are controlled and safe environments. When you venture outside, it’s different. You can’t leap unthinkingly into your local river as you might into a pool. You’re back in nature. Which is fabulous, but you need to respect it. The more you know, the safer you’ll be.

Top tips for staying safe in open water

• Think before you swim. Check your entry and exit points and take into account currents and tides
• Don’t mix swimming and alcohol
• Swim with other people – ideally that know the area and have swum in open water before
• Don’t jump in. Enter the water slowly to prevent ‘cold water shock’
• Let people know where you are and what you’re doing (e.g. inform beach lifeguards or even the coast guard if planning a long coastal swim)
• Make sure you’re visible in the water. Wear a brightly coloured cap and consider using a tow-float
• If someone gets in trouble, don’t put yourself at risk but call for help – dial 999 or 112
• If you find yourself in difficulty FLOAT TO LIVE

Detailed safety advice

Water temperature

Compared to indoor heated swimming pools, which vary in temperature from around 26 to 31 degrees Celsius, you are likely to be exposed to a much wider range of temperatures when swimming outside. In the UK, inland waters can be as low as zero in winter to as high as the mid 20s in peak summer. Coastal waters vary from low single digits to the high teens. The water temperature has a massive impact on how you swim and how long you can safely stay in the water.

For the inexperienced, the biggest danger from sudden immersion in water that’s significantly cooler than you’re used to is cold water shock. This is the body’s initial and automatic response to rapid change in skin temperature. It causes, among other things, a sharp intake of breath, an increase in breathing rate and an increase in blood pressure. It typically lasts up to a couple of minutes. For the unwary, cold water shock can be deadly, especially if that sharp intake of breath occurs under water. In addition, if you have an underlying heart condition or hypertension then the sudden change in blood pressure may cause complications. Therefore, enter the water slowly and keep your face clear until your breathing is under control. The cold water response decreases with swimming experience and being mentally prepared.

The second problem with cold water is that it can result in swim failure. To protect vital organs in the core, the body restricts blood flow to the limbs when in cold water. If this reaches extreme levels the arms and legs no longer function properly and you can’t swim. If you feel yourself slowing down or struggling to swim, get out.

The next risk is hypothermia. This occurs when you suffer a drop in core body temperature and can eventually lead to loss of consciousness and heart failure. The amount of time you can swim in cold water without suffering from hypothermia is determined by the temperature, your body size and shape and your experience, among other factors. Start with short swims to learn what your limits are. Always swim with other people. If your stroke rate slows down or you start to shiver, get out and warm up.

When you finish swimming, you also need to concern yourself with something called ‘after drop’. This happens after you exit the water as your core continues to cool. This is believed to be a conduction effect as a cold front moves through your body from the outer layers to the inner core. This is why you often start to shiver a few minutes after you finish swimming. To minimise the risk, dress immediately starting with the top half of your body. Put on a hat and gloves and have a warm (non-alcoholic) drink.

A wetsuit will not prevent cold water shock nor stop you from suffering hypothermia. However, it will help you to stay warmer for much longer, keep you afloat and, in most cases, allow you to swim faster.

Also bear in mind that the water near the surface, especially on hot sunny days, can be much warmer than the water below.

A brief guide to water temperatures in open water

Note, swimmers have widely differing opinions about comfortable water temperatures and people’s bodies respond differently. Learn to trust your own experience and feelings.

Weather

Open water swimming is more enticing on hot sunny days but people do swim in almost all conditions, and different types of weather mean different risks you need to be aware of.

In hot weather, there may be a big contrast between the air and water temperature that can catch out the unwary and is suspected to be a cause of some open water deaths. Therefore, always enter the water cautiously. Remember that you can easily get sunburn while swimming so make sure you protect your skin with waterproof sunblock or a rash vest.

Strong winds can make swimming conditions difficult. The water can be particularly unsettled if wind is blowing in the opposite direction to the current. Learning to breathe on both sides can help you cope better with waves and chop. Also be aware that a strong breeze increases the wind chill factor and you may get cold quicker than you expect. Finally, wind can make it difficult for support boats, which is why events are sometimes cancelled.

Swimming in the rain is no problem – you’re wet anyway – and it can even be very enjoyable to feel the drops on your back and to watch the water surface. Make sure you keep your clothes and towel somewhere dry for afterwards and be aware that conditions in some rivers can change rapidly when it rains. Heavy rain can wash pollutants off the land into the water and cause storm overflows to spill into rivers so it might be prudent to avoid certain rivers during or after heavy rain. You should leave the water if there’s any danger of an electrical storm.

Tides and currents

The tidal range around some parts of the UK is truly staggering. In the Severn Estuary the water level can change by as much as 15 metres over the course of six hours. This means a beach you walked across to start swimming might be gone when you want to stop. It might mean a ladder you descended to get in the water is now out of reach. It is therefore essential to pay attention and seek local knowledge when swimming in the sea or the tidal reaches of any rivers. The tide also generates currents. If you look at the path of a swimmer crossing the English Channel you can see very clearly how far a current might carry you in a few hours, and that those currents change direction with the changing of the tide. A strong current can easily prevent you reaching where you want to swim.

Also beware of rip currents in the sea. These are currents flowing out to sea and can carry the unwary far from the beach in a short space of time. Rip currents occur when the water from waves crashing on the beach sweeps back to sea through a narrow channel (e.g. a break in a sandbar below the surface). The current stream can be relatively narrow – perhaps just 10m or so across – but too fast moving to swim against. The way to escape is to swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current and then swim back.

Currents in rivers are usually easier to spot and predict but can also be problematic for the unwary. For example, a strong current may carry you away from your entry and exit point, and very strong currents can pin you against obstacles such as overhanging branches.

Note that the current will flow upstream at times in tidal sections of rivers and in estuaries. If a river has an upstream dam, it may be subject to sudden changes in flow rate if water is released.

The key message here is to pay attention, observe the situation, take advice from local swimmers and plan accordingly. With good planning there is no reason why you shouldn’t take advantage of tides and currents to add a new dimension to your swimming.

Other hazards for the unwary in open water

The message we want to reiterate is that to be safe in open water you need to think ahead and to stay alert. In our view, the benefits of open water swimming far outweigh the risks but you should be aware of the potential hazards and take steps to minimise their possible harm. We can’t cover every eventuality here but the table below highlights some of the more common risks or perceived dangers that we haven’t covered above, and what to do about them.

Commercial open water swimming venues

One of the joys of swimming outside is the opportunity to indulge your wild side and explore new locations from the water. However, swimming in new and unsupervised locations increases the risks. This doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t swim in these places (in fact, there are some amazing spots, and we’d recommend getting one of the many guides out there to help you find them) but you might want to begin you open water swimming journey at a recognised commercial swimming venue.

In the UK, there are currently around 100 such venues, usually at lakes or docks, where you pay around £5 to £10 to swim. Good venues will have lifeguards both on the shore and in the water, there will be safe and easy access to the water, there may be alternative exit points (e.g. safety ladders) around the course in case of emergency, they may offer swim coaching services or introductory sessions to get you started and there will usually be plenty of other people around to help you if you get into difficulty. They should also test the water quality, ensure there are no hidden obstacles under the water and keep track of who is in the water at any time. Many also have changing facilities, toilets and a café or provide a hot drinks service. The main downsides are restricted opening hours (as many are on private property you can’t just rock up and swim whenever you like) and you are usually restricted to swimming pre-defined circuits.

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While it’s not ideal to swim alone, there are a few things you can do to minimise the risk when there is no other choice. Marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas shares her safety tips.

I confess that one of my most favourite things in all the world is to slip into a clear, cold mountain lake and swim across silky water into the horizon. Depending on what is going on in the world around me, I oftentimes fantasize about swimming and swimming and never needing to return. But a single bolt of lightening or a ski boat buzzing by too closely always seems to pull me back to reality. Enjoying the water is one thing; having a death wish is something different entirely. Despite jokes about someday swimming off into my final horizon, until then, I prefer to enjoy the water safely and wisely.

In an ideal situation, you have several spotters on shore and kayakers in the water to keep an eye on you as you swim. There is power in numbers, so having swim buddies is always the best choice. But, sometimes I find myself embarking on a long training swim (again) and no one can join. While it’s not ideal to swim alone, there are a few things you can do to minimise the risk when there is no other choice.

• Never swim alone in unfamiliar waters. If you’re going to a new place to swim, don’t go in alone. Make sure you know everything there is to know about the body of water you’re daring to enter before you even slip on your swim suit. Understand the risks of your situation and do the best to minimise them. Understand the patterns to currents, tides, boats, other swimmers and wildlife.
• If you’re alone, find a place where others are swimming or recreating. That way even though you’re alone, there are still other humans around to assist in an emergency.
• Avoid boats. Never swim without kayak support in busy boating areas.
• Stick close to shore. Hanging close to the shallows limits your risk of getting blasted by an unsuspecting boater. Also, should something happen, you can quickly exit the water. Nothing wrong with a long walk back to your shoes if you can’t beat the current or a storm arrives!
• Pay attention to the weather. Know what the forecast is and keep an eye on the sky. At my home, afternoon thunderstorms are almost guaranteed in the summer, so make every effort to finish your swim before the lightning strikes.
• If you’re not sure, bringing a tow float or swim buoy is a helpful tool. I love them for longer solo swims where I can stash a feed bottle or two to extend my swim journey.
• Always tell people where you are, how long you will swim, what route you’re planning to take and when you expect to be out of the water. And stick to it. There is no panic like a loved one planning on meeting you at 10am, and you don’t show up until 10:30.

Always plan ahead and have a safety plan in place! Don’t swim beyond your abilities.

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From NOWCA to the RNLI, Rowan Clarke meets the people who make outdoor swimming happen

Swimming outdoors is natural and simple. In a complicated world, that’s a huge part of its appeal and it’s possible to swim wild without input from a single other person.

Or is it? Because, behind every secret skinny dip and marathon swimming Odyssey is an entire web of people. A skilled network of supporters, enablers and experts that exists to ensure that however we choose to enjoy open water, we can do so as safely as possible.

The thing is, even when you’re quietly immersed in a remote river pool or exploring a hidden cove, you’re leaning on this network. The swim kit you’re using has been carefully developed to keep you safe. You may have checked the water quality through The Rivers Trust or Surfers Against Sewage apps. And the water knowledge and swimming skills you’ve gained have been taught using methods carefully researched and developed by experts, imparted by teachers and coaches who have, in turn, been trained by other experts. And so, that web of brilliant, skilled people is supporting you at all times.

Aquatic apes

Our most fundamental need for expert help to swim is physiological. This is because humans lack any innate swimming ability. However, we do possess a unique capacity to not only learn to swim, but also, crucially, to understand water and how it affects us. We’ve been using these skills and knowledge for as long as humans have existed, teaching ourselves and each other to swim for food and for pleasure.

Yet, according to a 2019 poll by the Lloyds Register Foundation, 55 per cent of adults worldwide can’t swim. And, the World Health Organisation states that around 236,000 people drown each year, ranking drowning third in the most common causes of accidental death.

“We’re not natural swimmers; we’re not built that way. But we do have this draw to water,” says Lynn Goring-Crook, director and lead aquatic tutor at The Swim Surgery, which offers courses for all kinds of swimming teaching and coaching. “I think when you look at the stats for drowning, one of the crazy stats is the number of people who drowned in open water who believed they were a competent swimmer… The fact is, you could be that first time dipper, or you could have swum the Channel, you can still drown because people can get themselves in precarious situations. And yet we’re drawn to water all the time.”

It’s a complicated picture. We want to swim, benefit from being in water and learning to swim reduces the risk of drowning. But then, the World Congress on Drowning estimates that 66 per cent of the people who drown worldwide each year considered themselves to be competent swimmers. So, it’s important when we talk about open water swimming safety, to look at the whole picture – our swimming ability, our perception of swimming and how we understand natural bodies of water.

Spreading knowlege

The content of the STA (Swimming Teacher Association) Open Water Coaching course reflects this picture. With exponential growth in the number of outdoor swimmers qualifying as coaches in the UK, there’s more access to expert guidance for those taking part than ever before. This is largely down to the course’s emphasis on safety, understanding risk and the different challenges of different bodies of open water.

“We’re getting people who can swim and have experience in open water and taking them to the next level of saying, ok, what are the risks out there?” says Lynn. “It covers all levels from taking someone for their first dip to coaching them for a triathlon or channel swim. I think it opens everybody’s eyes to all the risks – and a lot of people come off the course and reassess their own risks.”

The phrase ‘risk assessment’ is an instant passion killer. But understanding risk and how to mitigate it is just as important as being able to swim in open water. But that comes with challenges. First of all, outdoor swimming is awash with variables – tides, currents, weather, animals, debris, water quality, and so on. But also, we live in an era of misinformation, so disseminating truth from utter nonsense can be tricky. And this is why we need even more experts to support us.

As well as coaches, we can also turn to organisations like NOWCA that offer research-led, evidence-based information and training for swimmers. NOWCA doesn’t just run the STA open water coaching and RLSS Open Water Lifeguard qualification, it also provides a series of online courses for open water swimmers that impart exactly the kind of knowledge we need to swim more safely.

“Our mission statement, which is ‘more water for more people more safely’, governs everything we do,” says Paul from NOWCA. “As swimmers, and people working in the swimming industry, we all put the safety component at the top of our list of things to lead on in the in the community.”

Access to outdoor swimming

Offering expert guidance, support and years of experience to open water swimming venues, NOWCA gives swimming communities a specialised safety system to manage swimmers during sessions. In some cases, NOWCA will launch and manage a venue through its subsidiary operator, Love Open Water, getting it over financial and practical hurdles in its early stages before handing it back to the community.

This is exactly the kind of safety net we rarely pay attention to as swimmers. The booking system, marker buoys, check-incheck- out systems, risk assessments and water quality checks – all the features of managed open water swimming venues that we take for granted. And yet, without that infrastructure, we would lose a whole swathe of places to swim.

“Our systems work in unison with the strong safety disciplines of our operators,” explains Paul. “And we take all opportunities to give back to the venues that use our systems and help keep costs down, which means people can operate open water swimming more safely by virtue of purchase and ledger. But it also means that there’s open water swimming in places where there might not have been before.”

This conversation around managed open water venues can feel a bit uncomfortable. For many of us, outdoor swimming is about freedom, nature, escapism and natural connections. So, managed venues – which often involve a booking system and payment – sometimes feel like the antithesis of what we love about swimming outdoors.

However, the reality is that in England, we have right of access to 8 per cent of the land, and uncontested rights to 3 per cent of our rivers, according to Right to Roam. So, for inland waters, managed venues allow access where there wouldn’t be any because their operators provide an infrastructure that satisfies land owners. And, part of that infrastructure is a vital safety net that allows us to explore outdoor swimming as safely as possible.

What’s more, organisations like the STA, RLSS and NOWCA are helping to overturn a wider, cultural ‘no swimming’ mindset and promote the skills, knowledge and support that empower us to swim more safely.

Staying safe

A great example wears red and yellow and watches over us as we swim. Open water lifeguards and beach lifeguards undergo vigorous and ongoing training to not only ensure our safety, but also enable us to swim outdoors.

This latter point is so important. While lifeguards do enact dramatic rescues Baywatch style, their role is to educate people on how to enjoy the water safely. That means knowing the nuances of their patch, how the water behaves and how to read the conditions – knowledge that they’re keen to share with swimmers.

“We really appreciate it when open water swimmers come to us and tell us their plan. Then we can keep an eye on them and if anything does happen, we’ve got that information,” says Weymouth beach lifeguard, Courtney Randino. “One of the important things to know is the hazards of the area you’re in… Read the safety signs at the beach, or speak to the lifeguards and ask them what the hazards are so everyone can stay safe.”

For lifeguards like Courtney, the other important steps you can take to look after your safety is to swim with a buddy and utilise outdoor swimming’s most Marmite piece of kit. “I think the main advice we would give water swimmers is use a tow float because they are really visible to us,” she says.

Introduced to the market in 2012, this fluorescent, inflatable dry bag makes us much more visible. As well as enabling us to carry things like energy gels and drinks, a whistle, light and a mobile phone, there are obvious safety advantages to towing one. But the high visibility is garish, and some believe they instil a false sense of security.

“We’re passionate about swimming outdoors and the real adventure of using swimming as a means to explore the wild environment and travel through open water,” says Andrea Kelly, director of Puffin Swim, that offer a range of safety kit. “For this we need reliable, good equipment that will empower our adventure, improve our experience and be functional.”

A bag full of safety kit is a contradiction to that blissful image of immersing in nature. But anthropologists have found evidence of swimmer’s ear in Neanderthals, proving that our earliest ancestors would have benefitted from earplugs – perhaps tow floats, bright swim caps and a whistle would have helped them, too.

Giving us choice

So, does all this mean that we’ve reached a tipping point? Are we finally changing attitudes from that ‘no swimming’ mentality to one that enables outdoor swimming by increasing swimmer safety? In water quality and access to swimming it feels like we still have a long way to go. But, our incredible network of outdoor swimming supporters, experts and specialists are not only educating more people, but also creating an infrastructure that can give us hope.

Scientists, researchers and aquatic experts have studied human physiology in water. Their learning informs swimming teachers and coaches, swim guides, lifeguards, boat pilots and safety crew. In turn, they educate us and our capability in open water grows with our enjoyment.

And, with this groundswell in the number of people who love swimming outdoors and able to do it competently and safely comes an impetus to protect our blue spaces, to improve access and safety. We have campaigners, activists, charities, organisations and brands to represent outdoor swimming, support communities, create opportunities and drive change.

The point is this: we can choose peaceful dips in remote chalk streams, training with a team to swim the Channel and everything in between. And being in the privileged position of having that choice is down to the people who work behind the scenes. For that, we are truly grateful.

The post In safe hands appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

Christmas morning dips, New Year’s Day swims and loony dooks: a madcap dash into the sea is fast becoming a festive tradition. If you are tempted to join in this year, follow our top tips for safe festive swimming.

Turkey? Tick. Presents? Tick. Christmas tree? Tick. Madcap dash into the sea with hundreds of people? The charity cold water dip is fast becoming a festive tradition, with swims taking place on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day up and down the country.

A bracing dip is often touted as an efficient way to get rid of your Christmas or New Year hangover, but even if you are a seasoned cold water swimmer you should still be aware of the risks of a cold water dip.

Last year I took part in the Boxing Day swim at Redcar organised by the local Rotary Club. Hundreds of dippers, many in fancy dress, ran into the sea – screamed – then ran out again! That was all part of the fun. Thousands of pounds were raised for charity and the swimmers took to the water under the watchful eye of the local RNLI. But not all festive dips are so well organised or have safety cover so it pays to be prepared.

The advice we give for all cold water swimming remains the same, but you should take extra care if this is your only cold water swim of the year. Cold water shock is the main danger for unacclimatised swimmers. For more experienced cold water swimmers, be aware that running into water and throwing yourself into the sea is very different to a more traditional and considered entry. And at the season of excess, be mindful that swimming under the influence of alcohol is never a good idea – save the mulled wine for a post-swim warmer. Even cold water swimming while hungover also increases your risk of hypothermia. Follow our top tips for safe festive swimming so you can enjoy the rush of cold water dipping in (relative) comfort.

How to swim safely

• If possible, acclimatise. A few dips before the big event will prepare you for the cold and make your swim more enjoyable.

• Make sure you are wrapped up warm before the swim. And don’t get undressed until the last minute.

• Wear the right kit. Wear a swimming hat, or two, to help preserve body heat. You can also wear neoprene gloves, booties and balaclava. If you are wearing fancy dress make sure it is suitable for swimming in!

• Take care if running into the sea. A madcap dash into the sea isn’t so much fun if you twist your ankle.

• Do not dive or jump in. Do not dive or jump in unless you are used to the cold water. Cold water can cause gasping of breath and cold water shock, which can be dangerous. Instead, immerse yourself slowly, remembering to breathe, and do not put your head under the water and start swimming until your breathing is under control.

• Know your limits. In winter, even experienced swimmers often only swim for one or two minutes at a time. You might not feel cold until after you get out of the water, so be of aware of ‘after drop’ and do not stay in the water too long.

• Warm up slowly. Do not have a hot shower. Hot water can cool your core and it can be dangerous. Instead, make sure you have plenty of warm clothes, wrap up well and have a hot drink.

Your post-swim kit checklist

• Changing robe
• Towel
• Flip flops or Crocs
• Woolly gloves
• Woolly hat (or Santa hat!)
• Layers, layers, layers (the best way to get warm after a cold swim)
• Flask of hot drink
• Cake

Read our Festive Dip List 2023.

Photo by @lizziecroxford; event @mad_hatter_sports

The post Top tips for festive dips appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.

Are they qualified? What experience do they have? In this growing world of outdoor swimming, we share some advice for choosing the right guide to support you and keep you safe on your swimming journey

As the outdoor swimming world grows, so too does the range of professional coaches and guides who are there to support you into this watery world. Swim guide, open water coach, cold water therapist are just a few of the job titles you might come across. Finding the right person can help you along to a lifelong love of water but it’s also essential that whomever you hire is able to keep you safe, and educate and train you appropriately. 

Firstly, it’s important to understand that anyone can call themselves a coach, guide or therapist. While there are qualifications with these names in their titles, there is no regulator to check the appropriateness of what a provider is offering. Fundamentally it’s down to you, the client, to check a provider meets your needs. This might seem like a daunting task but this article aims to provide you with a toolkit to help you learn what to look for. 

Do your research

Humans can be very trusting. A fun and engaging post on social media can lead many people to book with a provider. There’s nothing wrong with this, but recent incidents and near misses give rise to caution around booking with that happy face or charismatic speaker without digging a little deeper. 

A tragic paddle board incident in Pembrokeshire in 2021 highlights how important it is to check the background of whomever you book as your guide. The investigation into this incident, in which five people lost their lives while on a guided trip, made clear that the fatalities were wholly avoidable. One of the key findings of the report was that the guides were not appropriately qualified or experienced to be leading a trip of that type. The participants on the trip reported that the guides seemed very confident and subsequently the participants didn’t question their decision making or background. 

While this incident wasn’t outdoor swimming related it has many parallels in terms of the outdoor water environment and the risks involved. 

Understand the risks

Such incidents provide a stark warning to anyone trusting another person with their safety around water. While outdoor swimming can be very safe, it doesn’t come wholly without risk. Understanding and learning to manage those risks is key having an enjoyable experience. When you put your enjoyment and safety into the hands of someone else you want to feel assured that they are able to do what you expect of them. 

This article focuses predominantly on a provider’s ability to keep you safe while in their care, but the same approaches can and should be applied to what you’re looking to get out of your experience, whether that be building confidence to take your first wild swim or training to swim the Channel. You don’t want to spend money or time on something that doesn’t meet your needs. 

What to look out for from your provider can be broken down into three areas: qualifications, experience and insurance. 

Qualifications

There’s a growing market of qualifications claiming to make people expert coaches, guides and therapists in all myriad of things. While many qualifications are excellent, there are some that amount to a certificate in return for a few of hours watching a webinar and shelling out a punitive fee. 

To check that a qualification is reputable it’s worth looking at who’s awarded it. Those affiliated to national governing bodies (NGBs) or leading safety organisations such as the RLSS, RNLI, Swim England and STA give you confidence that they’ve been checked and delivered by experts in the field. 

In addition to coaching qualifications, it’s important that, either the person you’re being coached by, or others around them such as swim venue staff, have extra appropriate safety qualifications. Accidents do happen and you want to be assured that any incident can be managed well and appropriate 1^st aid and CPR can be provided.

Safety qualifications have to be renewed every 2-3 years and that renewal process ensures that providers are kept up to speed and refreshed on current methods in first aid and risk management. What’s appropriate in each environment is different but good qualifications to look out for include:

RLSS Open water lifeguard

RLSS National Water Safety Management Programme

STA Open Water Safety

16 hr Outdoor First Aid

Experience

While qualifications go some way to providing guides with the skills needed to support others in the outdoors, they are worth very little without lived experience too. Everyone has to start somewhere as a guide, coach or therapist, but prior experience – whether through personal leisure and/or by shadowing a fellow coach or guide – is essential if someone is going to offer a good service and keep you safe in the process. Only by experiencing an environment in varying circumstances and seeing how a range of people react to it can someone truly keep others safe. 

Some examples to consider: 

If someone’s coaching you to swim the English Channel, do they have experience in long distance swimming themselves and have they coached others in this discipline? 

If a provider’s offering a walk to a remote waterfall for a cold water dip, do they have the relevant experience, not just in guiding people through cold water immersion, but also in leading others in remote environments away from the relative safety of say, an organised swim venue?  

Both of these examples require different skill sets and experience and it’s good to check your provider has these to make sure you have an enjoyable experience. 

Insurance

Providers should be insured for their activity. This protects both you, them and the general public from accidents and incidents whilst undertaking a session. Insurers won’t offer cover to anyone they don’t deem experienced or qualified to undertake the activity they’re proposing. 

Insurers often look for qualifications, evidence of experience and risk assessments before issuing a policy. 

So, where do you find this information about your provider? Websites and social media “About” pages are a great place to start. If you can’t find the information easily, don’t hesitate to drop them a message and ask. Good quality providers should be happy to give this information. If they won’t then it’s time to consider whether you book a session with them or not. 

Before and during a session don’t be afraid to ask questions too. If you’re unsure why you’re doing something a certain way or are worried about whether something feels or is safe, always ask. There’s no such thing as a stupid question in the outdoors – there is always something to learn, and good quality coaches and guides will do all they can to answer questions and educate you. 

Finding the right coach, guide or therapist can be life changing so never hesitate to look for professional support. Hopefully these pointers will help you find the right person to support you. 

Happy Swimming!

Browse our directory of professional swim coaches and guides.

The post Swim support you can trust appeared first on Outdoor Swimmer Magazine.