Train up  The best way to swim safely in open water? Become a stronger swimmer. Work on your front crawl technique, build up your stamina & hone those open water skills.

Don’t go solo  Buddy up if you can. Find a swim pal, bring along a paddleboarder, or ask someone to keep an eye on you from the shore. The Catch Club is a great place to find open water buddies.

Cold Water

The biggie. Whether it’s a sudden gasp reflex or a slow creep of stealth chilling, the cold is no joke.

How to avoid cold water shock & chilling:

• Ease in gradually: Enter the water slowly to avoid the gasp reflex. Control your breathing — slow, calm breaths are key.
• Know your limits: Start with shorter swims & milder conditions to understand what your body can handle.
• Swim efficiently: The more energy you burn, the quicker the cold creeps in. A smooth, efficient stroke helps your body regulate temperature.
• Gear up: A thicker wetsuit (3:4mm for colder or longer swims, 2mm for warmer waters) can help, plus gloves, booties or even a neoprene hat for extra warmth.
• Stay close to safety: If you can, stick to shallower water near the shore.
• Warm up after: Get out quickly (you lose heat faster once you stop moving), dry off, layer up & have a hot drink ready.

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Panic

Deep water, waves or just your imagination running wild can trigger panic. It’s natural, but manageable.

How to stay calm in open water:

• Plan ahead: Knowledge is calming. Research the location, check conditions & know what to expect.
• Stay in your comfort zone: Don’t push yourself into situations you’re not ready for.
• Bring a buddy: Seeing a familiar face nearby is reassuring.
• Switch strokes: Keep your head above water with breaststroke, or float on your back. A tow float can act as a pillow if the water is calm.
• Ground yourself: Focus on your breath, count your strokes, or take in the scenery around you.

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Water Quality

Clean water = a safer swim. Here’s how to check:

• Use resources like the Environment Agency’s Bathing Water Quality Tracker & the Surfers Against Sewage app for real-time updates.
• Look for Blue Flag beaches, known for high water quality standards.
• Avoid swimming after heavy rain when run-off pollution is likely.
• Be cautious around blue-green algae in lakes. It’s toxic to dogs & can irritate human skin or cause sickness.

Lakes

Lakes are a great intro to open water — calm & current-free. But don’t underestimate wind, which can whip up waves or create tricky conditions.

Top Lake Swims:

• Gnarly: Windermere, the UK’s longest lake (18km).
• Scenic: Buttermere, Derwentwater & Wastwater in the Lake District.

Rivers

Flowing with the current (a.k.a. downhill swimming) is both fun & fast.

Top tips for river swims:

• Stick close to the bank & sight often to avoid boats or fishing lines.
• Assess the current: faster flows are in the middle, slower ones along the edges.
• Plan your exit: strong currents often make swimming back upstream impossible.

Rivers to try:

• UK Events: Dart10k (Devon), Hurley Burly (Wales) & Bantham Swoosh (Devon).
• Adventurous: Oulankajoki Downhill Swim (12-24km) in Finland.

The Sea

Coastal swims are magical, but the sea is powerful. Respect it & plan ahead.

Tips for safer sea swimming:

• Research tides, currents & wave conditions before swimming.
• Use flagged swim zones or buoy-marked areas free of boats & currents.
• Avoid rip currents: these deceptively calm channels pull water out to sea. If caught, float calmly or swim sideways to escape.

Calmer sea spots:

• Sheltered coves & bays.
• Beaches on the east coast or those facing the English Channel.

Here’s what to pack for a successful swim:

• Wetsuit: Keeps you warm & buoyant. Thickness depends on the water temp.
• Tow float: Boosts visibility & offers a handy place to stash snacks or essentials.
• Bright swim hat: Makes you visible to others.
• Goggles: Dark lenses for sunny days, clear lenses for overcast conditions.
• Warm layers: Pack extra clothes for after your swim. A changing robe is a game-changer.
• Anti-chafe cream: Protects your skin from wetsuit rub.
• Towel & changing mat: Makes getting changed post-swim easier.
• Snacks & a thermos: Hydrate, refuel & warm up after your swim.

Optional:

• Booties or aqua shoes: Great for rocky entries or winter swims.
• Drybag: For keeping valuables & car keys safe.
• GPS watch: To track your swim.

Swimming access in the UK varies:

• Scotland: Thanks to the right to roam, you can swim almost anywhere responsibly.
• England & Wales:
  • Seas, tidal waters & navigable rivers are generally fair game.
  • Non-navigable rivers can be trickier; check for public footpaths nearby for access points.
  • Reservoirs are often off-limits unless specifically designated for swimming.

For more info & to support better swimming access, check out Right to Roam.

Find your spot: Research online, ask the Catch Club, or check Strava heat maps for ideas.

Assess risks: Consider distance, water conditions, timing, weather & swimmer abilities.

Pack smart: Bring the right kit (see above).

Feeling ready to dive into your next open water adventure? Share your swim stories & favourite spots with the Catch Club — we can’t wait to see where you go!