Question re wild swimming for those 40+

[EssexLioness]

Genuinely curious so wondering if anyone knows the answer. I am 44 and when I was young there was lots of tv ads, talks in school etc warning against the dangers of swimming in lakes, rivers etc. We were told that even if you are a strong swimmer it is dangerous due to pollutants, abandoned bikes/ litter/ random objects in the water.

During lockdown I have been aware of wild swimming becoming more popular and even seen articles on the news etc talking about the benefits and encouraging people to have a go. So why is this? What has changed since the 80s? I am just wondering why this was once seen as being dangerous but is now seen in a much more positive light. Have our lakes and rivers got cleaner or is it less of a problem than we once thought?

There are lots of safe, maintained and supervised places to swim near me

Thank you, that makes sense if people are visiting maintained areas. I’ve seen that a lot of people go wild swimming in clubs so I guess they would go to these sorts of places.

I love it, there has been massive improvements in water quality since the 80s the media still tends to focus on the stay out of the water angle rather than the how to do it safely angle. Most accidents are either people who never intended to be in the water in the first place, or cold shock syndrome where they dive in without understanding the dangers of cold water, or sadly alcohol related.

It’s actually safe if you follow simple rules of, never swim alone, get in gradually, don’t stay in too long when it’s cold and make sure you know your exit points.

There are more and more lifeguarded lakes popping up and having just completed my first winter swimming weekly the mental health benefits are huge.

Still relatively few people just go for a dip in an unknown place.

In addition to clubs, there are websites that give locations of safer spots, and things to look out for (currents, steep baking a etc). Also things like swim-floats to make it a bit safer.

I think most of the warnings were targeted at children to keep them away from quarries and lakes and so on, swimming unsupervised or getting into trouble - I'm thinking of The Spirit of Dark and Lonely Water

'Proper' swimming in open water is as safe as it has always been.
There is also a lot of discussion around doing it safely nowadays too.

Thank you for your replies, so interesting. I had no idea that there was such a thing as a lifeguarded lake or websites to share safer spots. It does make sense that things are much safer than in the 80s. It’s just that I have never seen people mention these things. I am not a confident swimmer but some of the photos I’ve seen look truly stunnng. It looks so relaxing and I can see the appeal

I know the risks and do it anyway.

The small risk is worth it. I have a friend who goes a lot and she's normally checked out the places first!

I'm a wild/open water swimmer and def over 40. It is risky, and you need to know the place you plan to swim at, look at the conditions, be aware of the effects of weather on the water quality and conditions (it can look the same but be different under the water or just misleading on the top), and really know what you are doing to swim in sub 11' water especially. Fortunatly there are super helpful online groups to facilitate meeting others and finding out about places to go and exchanging information. I'm meeting up with internet strangers for a swim tomorrow, and though I know the place well and have swum there a lot I never swim alone and always wear a tow float (and am very cold adapted as well)

Sorry, crossposted @Ihaventgottimeforthis, that also makes sense. Much easier to give children a blanket warning that they will understand rather than getting into specifics. I just remember seeing lots of scary videos on this and playing near train tracks! TBF where I grew up I don’t think there were any nice areas to wild swim - just a couple of quarries and a filthy river

OP. Theres loads of fb groups about wild swimming.
To swim with them, the ones I've seen insist on a swim cap, and a tow float. Some also want you in a wet suit at certain temperatures. Meet up times are arranged.

@CMOTDibbler that all sounds sensible.

@MrsTerryPratchett so many things carry a small risk and I think if you enjoy it then as you say it is worth it. There are much riskier things in life!

I’m the same age as you and I’ve always loved swimming. I also remember this and personally, the idea of swimming in lakes and rivers is just something I could never do. Not even with a wetsuit. It’s something about not being able to see what’s down there, but that’s just me.

However a few years ago on holiday I happened to try a sea kayaking tour for the afternoon. I noticed the thing I loved most is that I’m in the sea. Totally unexpected but I realised I love the sea more than anything, Subsequently, at every chance I get during 6 months of the year, I will drive 2 hours to the beach and swim. I love it more than words can say. I still need my own wetsuit, and want to go kayaking too then I’ll be good to go.

My dd is a lifeguard at an open water lake. As well as the standard lifeguard qualification, she also has an open water qualification. She’s currently doing her annual training refresher. Excellent place in the east midlands if you’re anywhere near.

What has changed since the 80s?

Swimming has been given a silly “wild” prefix. We just used to go swimming. Sometimes in a pool, sometimes in lakes, tarns, or the sea. I spent my summers in the 70’s swimming in the Thames. There was nothing “wild” about it.

Ime swimmers need to practice swimming quietly.. Group where I live shriek and squeal like toddlers in a splash pool. And the majority are older than you op..
Have resorted to taking sleeping tablets.

@Bunnybingesoneggs

Ime swimmers need to practice swimming quietly.. Group where I live shriek and squeal like toddlers in a splash pool. And the majority are older than you op.. Have resorted to taking sleeping tablets.

They go at night? Goodness, not sure I would be brave enough for that.

I didn't grow up in UK so don't know about 1980s messages.
Rural Norfolk, hot days, some river spots are heavily infested with swimmers. Teenagers especially, which is nice to see. Possibly more non-UK nationals than English people, but all ages/types over all.

Group advertises 6 am, 7 am and 8 am meet ups. Waking up at 6 am 7 days a week is bloody torture...

@Bunnybingesoneggs that sounds awful and very inconsiderate of them to make so much noise. I would’ve thought half the appeal of swimming outside was quietly enjoying your surroundings but I guess not for everyone

The "danger" ads were aimed at teenagers, particularly boys, who are idiots. By and large "wild swimming" is more the province of sensible groups of middle aged ladies who do risk assessments at work in triplicate in their sleep. So there's that.

Still, there are dangers nonetheless. Google Transient Global Amnesia - a friend got that - nothing bad happened and she's fine, but, unnerving to say the least.

Worse is one man takes his 3 ddogs and no lie they bark for 2 and a half hours... Most mornings.

"TBF where I grew up I don’t think there were any nice areas to wild swim - just a couple of quarries and a filthy river"

I think this has an effect on how you perceive wild swimming. I grew up in a similar area but now live somewhere much nicer. The beautiful, clean, crystal clear rivers and lakes are inviting and make much more sense.

Go to the FB page for The Outdoor Swimming Society and search for your local area. You'll hopefully find some local swim groups near you and they tend to be a very friendly and welcoming bunch.

You should be able to find someone to buddy up with or accompany you on your first dip.

Take it very slowly to begin with