Bathing Machines Ostend 1923
Wild Swimming News
Wild Swimmer David Walliams Charity Swim On BBC TV Thursday March 8th | ||
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Spend an hour with David Walliams and relive the eight day 140 mile Big Swim; an hour long program produced by BBC Bristol to air on BBC One and BBC One HD at 9pm, Thursday 8th March. 22 February 2012 | |
The Swimmers Essential Costume of Disguise | ||
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On a sultry summer's day, what could be more natural and liberating than to dip into a lake or river to complete the picture of scenic perfection? In calm waters, swimmers get twice the view as water mirrors the colour and adds texture to the panorama they swim into. We love to live and holiday close to water; in fact you only have to mention a 'sea view', for house and holiday prices jump up. Across Scotland, in parts of Wales and throughout Europe, swimming is as much a part of the summertime experience as it was in England not so many years ago; then the 1970s TV safety film: Dark and Lonely Water, lit the screen and cast gloom over the concept of outdoor swimming. The 'Grim Reaper' we were shown, stood ready to take the life of any fool that dared swim in open water and we could be sure that summertime fun would lead to tragedy. Swimmers were persuaded that they really did need to 'KEEP OUT', leaving the sport of outdoor swimming to those ruffians who would dip regardless, and, just because they had been told not to. You might think this an oversimplification of matters, and you would be right. A great many factors combined to achieve the outdoor swimming status quo in England, so many factors, that I thought it would make a good read for all those interested in returning to the outdoors, and so I published: Hung Out to Dry, Swimming and British Culture.
Yet swimming is so innocuous that it hardly seems possible for the activity to have had more than a fleeting influence on the culture and history of Britain. Thinking further though and it's obvious that all swimming necessitates a degree of pantomime as even the most cosseted among us will need to change into our wet suit ready for our swim. Unlike other sports, the act of getting changed, what we wear when wet and the process of getting into the water has influenced the way society has perceived what came to be a very British outdoor sport. Bathing was fundamental to our Roman invaders and was widely practiced along with swimming, for centuries. Later Church morality motivated abstinence among the faithful, a position reinforced when the plagues of the Middle Ages swept whole families away. The only protection against disease, people were told, was to remain unwashed, so that the skins pores would become blocked with dirt preventing deathly vapours from infiltration the body. At this time in history bathing was considered to be a very risky exercise and it took centuries before the traditions of the 'great unwashed' were questioned. When bathing became good for you again, cleanliness was deemed next to Godliness and the righteous were encouraged to bathe as often as once a week. But it was soon discovered that much more fun could be had, especially in cold water, by learning to swim.
As time passed, the bathing machine was invented allowing participants to bow to proprietary by getting changed in privacy whilst being transported into a screen of deep waters. Yet mixed bathing, when it was introduced, presented moral dilemmas unheard of whilst bathers were separated by gender. As a culture, the British have danced around the issues of morality ever since, with a variety of attitudes surfacing at different points in time. Yet as our bathing culture spread aboard so a similar evolution in social mores was sparked worldwide. The bathing machine, invented here in the UK, became an essential part of beach life overseas as British prudery was exported along with the seaside holiday experience. In the end a changed morality allowed bathing machines to be converted into beach huts, or burned in symbol of the liberality of the times. It was much the same with the emancipation of women but it made for a much bigger fire. 
The End of Bathing Machines This aspect of British bathing history now seems but a bizarre part of our eccentric past. Yet this important milestone in the evolution of our culture popped the cork from the bottle. The Seaside holiday evolved from its humble and secretive beginnings into an obsession with sunbathing and physical exposure. Swimming costumes developed from coverall into none at all for hardy eccentrics, or at least 'cover little' for the rest of us. When listening to a series of paper round experiences just the other week on Radio 4, Melanie Walters (of Gavin and Stacey) recounted her adventures living in the Mumbles as a young girl of 11 in the 1970s. Not only did she often enjoy a solitary sea swim whilst on route, but sometimes in the summer she did the whole thing dressed ready for her swim in her "little white and red check bikini," yet she observes; "that wouldn't happen today." And she's right. Attitudes have changed greatly in the decades since, and this becomes obvious when sharing holiday photographs with our children, the differences in seaside fashions from when we were young are promptly observed. 
New Brighton Beauty Parade 1951 The magnetic Lido era drew swimmers in from rivers, lakes and the seaside, with diving boards, slides and cafes offering an altogether more civilised outdoor swimming experience. Yet at the same time these Lidos put bathers on show for spectators who gathered in great numbers to watch the spectacle of the scantily clad, cavorting in the water. Beauty contests spawned a trend to judge others by their appearance and this concept has now matured so that even young children diet in hope of attaining physical perfection. Bathing fashions have changed so much over time, that even in Australia (the birthplace of Speedo swimwear) as here in Britain, swimming trunks have dropped from favour with board shorts replacing them on the beach and in the pool. Trunks may survive for the sake of speed at competitions but they have been outlawed at Alton Towers for three years now on grounds of etiquette. Yet for hygiene's sake brief swimming trunks are seen as essential at swimming pools in France to this day. In England, men and boys more fashion conscious than ever, wear baggy shorts to hide their shape on the beach despite the half mast trousers fashion on the street. 
The Water Toboggan 1926 In an effort to disguise and to hide swimmers from view, specific river bathing areas became necessary when Matthew Webb opened the floodgates to outdoor swimming by conquering the Channel in 1875. Boys in particular took the challenge to heart, unperturbed that a lack of swimwear was scandalising the ladies. Indoor and outdoor pools were to follow as a means of containing and controlling the increasingly popular swimming movement. Bathing machines and bathing costumes helped to disguise the swimmers, but warm water, and holidays abroad have now all but emptied British waters of the swimmers to whom they belong. Let's make 2012 a year to remember our swimming heritage and put the fun back into open water by swimming our way back to the great outdoors! Although interest in a return to nature and skinny dipping in particular is attracting interest in the wild swimming community, it is worth remembering that it was skinny dipping that got British swimmers into trouble in the first place. In the Uzbek capital, Tashkent last month, the Walrus Club (a group of eccentric bathers who would swim and dive into the canal adjacent to their club house) have had their premises and equipment destroyed by officials bringing an end to their 60 years existence. A spokesperson stated "local residents were offended by the sight of underdressed winter swimmers in the water and on the canal bank." Times change, and even countries that have until now lagged behind the times are catching up with the notion of prudery. Will the history of British swimming provide a lesson to wild swimmers today? Or will history repeat itself and get the movement into trouble? Perhaps it would be best to contend ourselves with the freedom to swim as it gradually emerges and confine skinny dipping to the privacy of the bathtub. 10 February 2012
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Birmingham City Council Let The Genie Out Of The Bottle | ||
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A shock decision by Birmingham City Council to turn its back on a decades old bylaw prohibiting outdoor swimming in the cities lakes and ponds, may see the genie out of the bottle for open water swimmers. Several requests have been made over the years to allow swimmers to train and compete in the waters of Birmingham parks but the bylaw was always cited as a prohibition. Councilor Martin Mullaney stated: "When I was told of the possibility of a triathlon event at Sutton Park, I was also informed it was impossible because of a long-standing ban on open water swimming. I found the situation ridiculous. As a result my officers have now found a way to allow registered swimming clubs to open water swim in our numerous ponds and reservoirs in our parks." Birmingham's Sutton Park may soon see swimmers return to its waters and at the same time questions asked as to why the prohibition on open water swimming was imposed in the first place. If you have not done so already, why not read Hung Out to Dry and discover why outdoor swimmers have suffered so many years of prejudice. 09 February 2012
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Swimming to Freedom in 2012? | ||
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If you are one of the growing numbers enjoying the fun, freedom and adventure of open water swimming, you may, like me, feel that access to our local waterways is as much a part of our birthright as is access to a local park or footpath. For this reason I can't help but feel incensed when someone has the audacity to put up a 'no swimming' sign at a well loved and comparatively safe bathing place. To wild swimmers, the arrival of a 'no swimming' sign equates to being forcibly evicted from ones home, even if officials insists that they are doing it for our own good. Swimmers have come in for more than their fair share of prejudice throughout British history. Well meaning non swimmers have been quick to marginalise and discredit what amounts to a simple, innocuous pleasure. The latest threat to summertime freedom has arisen in the guise of a merger of the powers that be, when it comes to our waterways. In Scotland, throughout Europe and America, outdoor swimming is accepted, encouraged and enjoyed by all who care to wash away their worries in the sparkling waters closest to their homes. In England we have experienced a mixed response to what is to us a comparatively new trend; escaping from chlorinated confinement and returning to swim in the wilds of the glorious English countryside. Wild swimming guides point us in the right direction to bathing places well away from the disapproving gaze of officials. The Environment Agency have been sympathetic to those preferring to paddle and swim in our aquatic landscape, as opposed to standing on the bank for hours waiting for a fish to take the bait. On the other hand British Waterways stand as guardian of our canal system and insist that aquatic pedestrians keep out of their fiefdom, leaving waters clear for any boats that happen past, however infrequently. In my home town of Leicester the canalised river was once home to thousands who took a daily dip prior to this change of thinking on the part of the canals custodians. In fact, it was upon discovery of a police notice asking for assistance in preventing crime on the canal side that I decided to publish: Hung Out to Dry. The appeal for witnesses to anti-social behaviour such as vandalism and motorcycle use I could well understand, but to include on the list, children seen swimming in the canal, and such being labelled as 'criminals', I found hard to stomach and so Hung Out to Dry found its way (albeit through a maze of complications) into print. Considering its track record, there is no wonder that swimmers up and down the country were aghast to hear that from April this year the Environment Agency and British Waterways were to merge, and more to the point, British Waterways were to be put firmly in the driving seat. Would this be the end for wild swimming in England? Well it could have been. Thankfully though, with the growth of the Outdoor Swimming Society, and with the publication and wide distribution of wild swimming guides, it was never going to be plain sailing to ride roughshod over the growing number of educated people that relish the pleasure of swimming outdoors. Roger Deakin's Waterlog remains a best seller and articles extolling the joys of wild swimming regularly grace the pages of broad sheets and red tops alike. Wild swimmers are now in the public eye and perhaps it is time to reconsider their rights. The growing number of outdoor swimmers could give the impression that freedom and justice for all swimmers reigns countrywide. Yet the big 'stick of authority' has not been consigned to the museum. In Leicester, for example, No Swimming is the order of the day and, despite my best efforts, I had just better get use to it. Yet in Sparth, Huddersfield, attempts to get officials to see things from the swimmers point of view have found a very different response. At the end of August, British Waterways brought an end to years of peaceful coexistence with the swimming community by erecting a No Swimming sign at the beauty spot. Swimmers have bathed here since the 1870s, and British Waterways had knowingly allowed swimming to continue up to the midsummer of last year. Since the sign has been erected though, the status of swimmers has changed, the waters were deemed 'dangerous', and swimmers labelled 'foolish' and 'irresponsible.' A Facebook group soon attracted over 200 members through which the long history of Sparth swimming emerged. The 'Save Sparth Swimming' Campaign Leader, Fiona Weir will bring you up to date on just what has been going on if you visit this link to the Outdoor Swimming Society web page. Remarkable as it may seem, this sign and the ensuing controversy could well make possible the biggest step towards liberty for swimmers in living memory. Of course British Waterways are not going to welcome swimmers throughout their dominion, but they did take the objections presented by the Sparth group seriously at a meeting in October. British Waterways sent theRegional Manager and the Head of Health and Safety for the whole country along as representatives and have since publicly stated: 'We are looking at increasing access and are hopeful that our work with the Sparth swimmers will be a model of how we can allow greater access.' A second meeting in January was very positive indeed and it is hoped that by the start of the swimming season in May, the No Swimming signs can be replaced with information boards and swimmers legally returned to this inland oasis. The plan suggested by the group includes the education of children through local schools, which will do much to allay fears for the safety of the youngsters that so love the place. Up until now, water safety education has been considered unnecessary. Telling children never to swim in open waters may make sense in theory, in practice it is no more effective that assuming that youths will avoid teenage experimentation if just told to do so. Although health education has moved on from thinking that ignorance is bliss, we have a long way to go when it comes to educating children as to where and how to swim safely in the great outdoors. Needless to say swimming at well attended bathing places such as Sparth does much to protect youngsters. Adults provide a measure of security and families set an example when it comes to enjoying water safely. Actively restricting access to safe swimming areas pushes youngsters out of sight and into danger as they disperse to swim in lonely waters elsewhere. Whatever the ultimate decision, the growing number of wild swimmers has found a voice and envoy in the form of the Outdoor Swimming Society. The books: Wild Swimming, Wild Swim and Hung Out to Dry, were coincidentally all published in 2009, yet 2012 could well become the year of the wild swimmer. Although our future lies in the balance, it is encouraging to note that this year for the first time swimmers could be encouraged to use Rutland Water as a swimming Mecca. Perhaps if British Waterways continue to listen to sensible swimmers, 2012 will be remembered, not only as the year that the Olympic Games came to London, but as the year that swimmers were set free! 02 February 2012 | |
Advice for Safe Swimming in Loch Lomond | ||
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As spring approaches and as the number of outdoor swimmers increases, the Trossachs National Park authority (which takes in 22 lochs and over 50 rivers) has issued the following guidelines so that all can enjoy their swimming experience safely. 1 As you are low in the water, it can be difficult for other water users to spot you. As a result you should always wear a brightly coloured swim cap and, if possible, use a swim safety device. These are brightly coloured inflatable bags which you can tow behind you whilst swimming. 2 Try to swim with at least one other person. 3 Where possible, use an escort canoe/kayak which can also display the alpha flag (international sign of diver in the water). 4 Always swim within your own capabilities and be aware of the effects of gradual chilling. 5 Check weather conditions before heading out, a large swell can quickly develop when wind directions change. 6 Blue green algae can be a problem during the warmer months. The relevant local authority should be the first port of call for advice if you spot any algal blooms although national park visitor centres and SEPA can also be contacted. For more information: contact the Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway in Balloch on 01389 722030. Opening times are 8.30am to 4.30pm. British Wild Swimming: 2,000 Years of Freedom, Joy and Adventure 27 January 2012
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How to Swim in the Sea Without Feeling the Cold | ||
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Yes it is possible to swim, even in the wintry seas of Britain without feeling the cold. This is a trick well known to swimmers across the country when outdoor swimming enjoyed its heyday. In Leicester for example, the canal would steam during the winter with warm water flowing into it from the power station. John Kapp found himself in the paper yesterday as bemused passers by have witnessed him regularly swimming off the coast at Shoreham this winter. Wearing only swimming trunks, he enjoys the warm seawater at what is known a Shoreham Lido. An area about the size of a football pitch warmed by the local power station to some 20C. So how can you swim in the sea for three quarters of an hour without feeling the cold? Chose your spot wisely. More... 24 January 2012
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Wayne Prepares for Grulling Moyle Swim | ||
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A 42 year old South African hopes to become the first person to swim between the Mull of Kintyre and the Ballycastle coastline in the summer. Many endurance swimmers have tried unsuccessfully to conquer this treacherous North Channel route - but Wayne Soutter believes he could be the first to complete the challenge. Wayne hopes not only to achieve swimming glory, but to raise funds to help the vital work of the Community Rescue Service. The dad of two, who heads up a computer software company, now lives in London and has already begun training. Having completed the English Channel last year, he was determined to find a more challenging quest. Says Wayne: "No one has ever completed this 11 mile stretch and many would say it simply can't be done. I would love to be the one to break this mindset and at the same time help the good work of the CRS. I know it won't be easy but as they asy - you'll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind! " Wayne got involved with the CRS on one of his reconnaissance trips and quickly decided that he would use the swim as an opportunity to help raise money for them. "This fantastic voluntary organisation carry out superb work in times of local need. They're there for loved ones who get into difficulty and for their families and so I felt it was fitting for me to be there for CRS" "I have already begun a rigorous training regime which will take me right up until next June. Then I fly to Cork to experience the major tidal currents there and after a short break the next stop is Ballycastle for what I hope will be the most successful swim of my life"! As the build-up begins, the Community Rescue Service has praised Wayne's fund raising efforts as Local Commander Sean McCarry explains: "We are delighted that all money raised as a result of Wayne's swim will be donated to the CRS. It will enable us to continue the valuable work we do in organising searches and providing family support. Given that no one has ever accomplished this particular swim is indicative of the arduous nature of the stretch of water involved. Wayne could be in the water for up to 15 hours and to get to this level of fitness requires great determination". The big challenge is planned for some time in August where Wayne will try to find the optimum balance between water temperature, neap tides, the jellyfish population and calmer seas. Leading Marine Scientist and CRS member Joe Breen is clear about the difficulties such a swim presents: "This is one of the most dangerous and volatile stretches of water in the world with many tides converging in the area. Apart from the prospect of searing pain caused by jellyfish stings, Wayne will have to navigate his way through rip currents and eddies which will test his stamina to the extreme - even on a good day." "For me it's the challenge of swimming a stretch of water that no one else has managed to swim as far as we are aware. The fact that the Straits of Moyle are among the most dangerous waters on the planet is an added plus", says the endurance athlete. 19 January 2012
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The Merpeople of Penberth | ||
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I spent the Christmas season with friends in Cornwall, and having sampled the delights of swimming in the wintery seas of St Ives, I enjoyed a visit to a family farm in the wildest part of West Cornwall. With no gas, electricity, mains water or telephone line, you might think that life on this windswept hillside would be unbearable, yet the house was warm and comfortable and my hosts Pearl and Walter, delightful. As Cornish as the day is long, this couple view a visit to Truro as a trip up country, and rarely venture beyond the horizon as seen from their wild and imposing landscape. As we were taken on a tour of the farm, Walter explained that drinking water for the house was pumped up from a well that the Phoenicians divined and built some 2,500 years ago, to supply fresh drinking water straight from the ground, rather than using river or lake water as did the locals. They brought slaves to work the mine's three shafts, burrowing deep beneath the farm. Its treasure was exported along what was known as Solomon's Route to the ships, then on to distant shores. Walter is not a swimmer himself, but the pool he had built on his land delighted Pearl, a keen swimmer from childhood. Back in the farmhouse we sat in candlelight as Pearl told me the story of her mermaid like childhood. She grew up in Penberth Cove, some 3 miles from Land's End, which supported a thriving fishing community. Pearl relates: 'Grandfather lived in the house next to the sea, and I grew up in a flat above the fisherman's cellars.' Born in 1942, Pearls childhood coincided with the golden age of swimming. She swam for 20 minutes each morning before breakfast, and after a day of schooling in St' Just, she returned to the sea for another 20 minutes before tea. Winter swells made the rocky cove too dangerous for bathing, but calm weather at any time of year put swimming on the daily agenda for this fishing and swimming community. Even when she started work Pearl would swim every day late into the evening, 'It was wonderful', she remembers. As the tide goes out at the cove, three sand bars can be reached, and a small rock pool is exposed which became the playground of the young. Pearl learned to swim at the age five, her mother Eva swam out to the sandbars carrying Pearl on her back. The doggy paddle brought her safely home, but a fear of deep water developed when she could not touch the bottom along the way. 'I was eleven or twelve before I learnt to swim properly,' Pearl remembers. 'I spent the whole summer in my swimming costume.' The children were in and out of the water all summer long and when Eva took a plunge the children would shout 'tidal wave' referring to her corpulent stature. The water was home throughout the day to adults and children alike. 'Mother knitted my first costume, but it became so heavy when it was wet, that it would hang down to my feet. I ended up swimming in shorts and a t-shirt, it was more decent,' she said. With a dozen boats in the cove there were always adults around, but the children were not supervised as such. Eight children lived in the cove itself and another 13 came down from surrounding villages to bathe. The older boys built a 12 foot raft with oil drums beneath for buoyancy, and anchored it in the middle of the cove to swim out to. 'Once it broke free during a storm and it went out into the English Channel, they had to put out a warning to shipping.' Teenagers would move the raft over to the rocks so that young children could use it to climb out of the sea and then jump in off the rocks. Pearls little brother was taken out by the older boys and swam back on his own aged only three. 'He swam with the doggy paddle and has swum like a fish ever since.' You might think that this easy going attitude towards swimming could end only in tragedy, you would be wrong, no child drowned in the cove. Teaching children to swim in open water was always seen as a good thing as it put swimming abilities into perspective and taught respect for life and the sea. What a contrast these golden days of swimming make with the restrictions of childhood today. I love listening to stories like this and visiting historic swimming holes, but unless an effort is made to capture our history it will soon slip beneath the tides of time. This year I hope to celebrate 100 years of swimming and with your help make 2012 a year for swimmers to remember. Please visit Look, Listen, and Swim: 2012, for more details. 02 January 2012
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Wild Swimming saves lives in Bangladesh | ||
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The BBC reported yesterday on a life saving project in Bangladesh, inspired and funded by the London 2012 Olympics organisation. "Children in Bangladesh are being taught to swim as… Bangladesh suffers frequent flooding, yet many of its children cannot swim. An average of 18,000 children drown each year, making it the biggest cause of death for those aged between four and 10-years-old, according to UNICEF which is supporting the scheme." "We cannot just build swimming pools here. We are a developing country so we modify our ponds," said Dr Kamran from the Centre for Injury Prevention Research, another NGO collaborating in the project. Local coaches are training children in life-saving skills as well as swimming. "The children have criteria to meet. They have to swim 25m, tread water for 30 seconds and be able to save themselves and someone else from the water." he explained.More… Learning to swim and save life in open water has great life saving potential. In the U.K we find that children taught to swim in artificial surroundings quickly gain water confidence, yet that confidence does notautomatically transfer to real life situations. No swimming education is complete without essential experience and understanding of swimming in the great outdoors. SeeRSPCA's advice on open water swimming. Read the history of British Swimming. 16 December 2011
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The feel good factor of wild swimming | ||
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Paul Brown writes in Sundays Guardian: "Wild swimming, whatever the weather, is undergoing a revival in Britain. With the water temperature around the coast still a balmy 10C because of the warm autumn, enthusiasts say the physical and mental benefits are enormous, and the endorphin rush is addictive… Organisations like the Environment Agency and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution were initially hostile to the resurgence of wild swimming on health and safety grounds. The Outdoor Swimming Society, only five years old but already with more than 11,000 members has won them over."more12 December 2011
Why do we do it? Our cold water fascination.
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Leicester in First Place for Olympic Swimming History | ||
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John Jarvis and Jennie Fletcher: two Olympic swimming stars from Leicester. The first long distance river swim through London saw Leicester's J A Jarvis take first place. He raced in the Seine at the 1900 Paris Olympics, becoming the first ever triple gold medal winner. John Jarvis called himself'Amateur Swimming Champion of the World,' and he earned 108 international swimming championships to prove it! Leicester was once a city that celebrated its waterways, especially as the river Soar, the city's bathing stations, swimming pools and canals gave birth to two Olympic champions. The 2012 London Olympics mark a hundred years since Jennie Fletcher became a legend in her own time. Leicester's all round swimming champion in 1906, she went on to break many records, ultimately being picked for the 1912 Olympics at Stockholm. At this, the first Olympic Games to include female swimmers, Jennie Fletcher of Leicester won bronze for the 100m freestyle. Then at the same games she formed part of a relay team that went on to win gold. In all, she won over 20 major trophies and titles, becoming champion of England six times as well as setting 11 world records. Her achievements were recognised in 1971 when she was praised as the'world's first great woman swimmer', being included in the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Although she died in 1968 her achievements were not recognised by the City until 2005 when a plaque commemorating her achievements appeared at Cossington Street Sports Centre. In 2010 her name was fittingly included in the city's Walk of Fame, in the Cultural Quarter. These swimmers put Leicester on the map and indeed the city's connection with swimming is truly remarkable.Read thesocial history of swimming in Leicester. 20 November 2011
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John Jarvis Paris Olympics 1900 Jennie Fletcher won a gold medal in the 1912 Olympics
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Clean Water but NO SWIMMING for Leicester | ||
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The Environment Agency reports that water quality has never been better. You might think that this would be good news for wild swimmers. A drop in water quality in the 1970s motivated many local authority's to ban outdoor swimming in rivers and lakes, and so you would think that a dramatic improvement in water quality would see wild swimmers welcomed back to the water. Sadly this is not the case. In my home town of Leicester, despite repeated requests, Adrian Russell director of Environmental Services for Leicester City Council, feels that to remove the NO SWIMMING signs from Abbey Park Leicester would be more than his jobs worth. More on this story. 07 November 2011
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The Story of Swimming: Susie Parr | ||
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Lavishly illustrated and beautifully presented, Susie Parr releases "The Story of Swimming" this month. "An intriguing investigation of waters influence on the psyche of society"Daniel Start. "A fascinating social history. An essential read for every wild swimmer"Kate Rew.Available from: Amazon.co.uk £19.99 02 November 2011
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200,000 on the Beach and no Lifeguard needed | ||
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The heatwave over the weekend drew an estimated 200,000 visitors to Brighton Beach (according to THE ARGUS). Yet busy as the beach was, no lifeguard cover was provided by the Council. A spokesman said: "Our lifeguards are employed on temporary contracts which ended at the beginning of September, traditionally the end of the season. It would be a waste of resources to keep lifeguards on for a whole month in case of a late season heatwave." The same reasons were given at the Serpentine Lido in London, which remained closed to swimmers throughout the sweltering weather. How well this illustrates the disparity between swimming opportunities on the coast and those inland. Londoners who decided to reduce their carbon footprint and swim locally at the Serpentine, were chased out of the water by the police. No lifeguard in Hyde Park meant no wild swimming as safety is always of paramount importance. Yet down the road at Brighton, the beach was full and despite the fact that the lifeguards had long since gone, no one batted an eyelid. 05 October 2011
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Wild Swimmers Chased out of the Water during Heat Wave | ||
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Temperatures reached 29C in the capital over the weekend and hundreds flocked to the Serpentine to swim and cool off. Unable to accept that the Lido has been closed for the season (since September 12), hundreds jumped the fence to swim in the lake. Everyone was enjoying themselves until the police were called and they were chased out of the water. Ironically here in the UK regulations restrict the use of a designated swimming area such as this, and fear of litigation resulted in six police officers being brought in to disperse the swimmers. Even so the Serpentine is a comparatively safe swimming venue. Yet at the seaside you are free to swim without the need of a lifeguard despite tides, waves and underwater currents. Why then are the police not called when swimmers jump into the sea? Interestingly the HSE has recently amended its rule book in relation to swimming in open waters (HSG 179). It no longer requires lifeguards to be present at lakes where swimming is allowed, provided that swimming is 'not actively promoted'. So you could reason that as the Serpentine was officially closed, swimming was not being promoted, and so the regulations requiring lifeguards might not apply. A solution to all this legalistic wrangling has been discovered at the Cotswold Country Park. The Children's Bathing Beach is especially popular in good weather and even when the lifeguards go home you can still swim, but in the knowledge that you have to look out for yourself and others. To me this seems a sensible approach, is that such a bad thing? 04 October 2011 | |
£2m pledge to secure iconic Jubilee lido's future, Penzance | ||
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This is Cornwall reports: "A £2 million bailout package to save an iconic art deco Cornish Lido has been backed by councilors in a bid to protect the future of the pool. The open-air Jubilee Pool at Penzance will be renovated using Cornwall Council cash and then put into the control of a trust for the next three years." 30 September 2011
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Exhibition: Floating Memories, Jubilee Library, Brighton | ||
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The once hidden archive of Brighton Swimming Club went on display yesterday (September 26 2011) at Brighton's Jubilee Library. The Archive; unknown to members of the club, the public and historians, reveals the extensive heritage of swimming in Brighton, displaying material dating back to the 1860s and includes sea swimming, water polo and diving. Source 27 September 2011
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The Indoor swimming pool could be making you sick | ||
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As winter approaches many wild swimmers will be returning to the warmth of the indoor pool. Researcher Dr. Alfred Bernard is a professor of toxicology at the Catholic University of Louvain in Brussels and one of the world's leading researchers on aquatic environments. He has published a series of studies documenting the effects of chlorine and its byproducts in swimming pools. According to Bernard's studies, swimming in indoor, chlorinated pools during childhood has been shown to reduce levels of serum inhibin B and total testosterone, both indicators of sperm count and mobility. Bernard has also substantiated a link between swimming in indoor chlorinated pools and the development of asthma and recurrent bronchitis in children. A 2007 study, conducted by Bernard, showed airway and lung permeability changes in children who had participated in an infant swimming group. But these risks could be drastically reduced. "It's a public education thing," Blatchley said. "Swimmers and the general public need to recognize that there's a link between their hygiene habits and the health of everyone who uses the pool."
Next time you head to the pool do your part, and hit showers before you hit the water, everyone will be better off for it. Source 24 September 2011
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To Swim or Not to Swim that is the Question | ||
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Two stories in today's news highlight a burning question on the minds of adults and children who enjoy outdoor swimming. Do we have a right to swim outdoors? From America we have the heart warming account of Heidi Curry, reported in NEWS MESSENGER. Her son Michael nearly drowned in a swimming pool last year, which made Heidi realise that learning to swim was a must for her two sons. But the cost of lessons was just out of reach for the family. A new scheme that aims to teach children to swim without costing them a cent has made all the difference: "The free swimming lessons have been awesome," Mrs Curry said. "It's given the boys a lot of confidence and it has also improved their fitness." Without a doubt, learning to swim is a lifesaving essential in any child's education. Yet it has to be said that skills learnt in the swimming pool often do not translate into real life situations. Many competent pool swimmers struggle to swim in open water, with one of the main problems results from panic in an unfamiliar situation. Cold water, strong currents and difficulties finding an exit point can often spell tragedy for those who are uneducated when it comes to open water or wild swimming. In the UK a dispute has arisen over the continued use of a reservoir by wild swimmers. British Waterways has put up a "no swimming" sign at Sparth Reservoir in Marsden, Huddersfield. They say that this replaces a former sign that has gone missing, reasoning that it would be "reckless" to allow swimming at the site."But swimmers said they have used the reservoir for decades and it is possible to enjoy the sport safely. They believe the reservoir has been used for recreational swimming since the 1940s and possibly earlier. In the future they hope signs could be changed to allow them to swim at their own risk."As reported by the BBC. Attitudes in Britain differ greatly to those of our European partners. Swimming is encouraged in rivers and lakes abroad but not so in England. The way in which our waterways are governed is soon to change. British Waterways and the Environment Agency are to merge into one waterways charity. This could be good or bad for wild swimmers. British Waterways official policy seems to be prejudiced towards wild swimming as illustrated above, whereas the Environment Agency allows responsible swimming. The wild swimmers future thus rests in the hands of those who must decide what is best for us. Discover the fascinating history of outdoor swimming in Britain - read: Hung Out to Dry; Swimming and British Culture. The reasons for our prejudice towards outdoor swimming are deep-rooted, complex and pervasive. Yet surely reason will ultimately win out, especially as wild swimming continues togrow in popularity. 23 September 2011
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David Walliams Completes His Epic Thames Swim | ||
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The comedian David Walliams finished his epic 140 mile Thames swim yesterday. The 40-year-old swam the Thames from Lechdale, Gloucestershire to Westminster Bridge arriving around 6.30pm after eight exhausting days. Walliams previously swam the English Channel and the Strait of Gibraltar for Sport Relief, and has managed to raise almost £1million by his latest achievement; swimming the Thames. Although many would be put off swimming in this famous and historic river, there was a time not so long ago when Londoners were encouraged to holiday at home rather than travel to the seaside. Barge loads of sand were dumped on the riverside and London on sea was born. 13 September 2011
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Wild Swimming the Latest Fitness Craze | ||
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Sky News have featured an article on Wild Swimming in rivers and lakes reporting that it is the latest craze for people who want to exercise without joining a health club. Watch the video here. 11 September 2011
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Wild Swimming - The Fastest Growing UK Sport? | ||
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Lake Windermere is to host its very first Wild Swimming event this Saturday attracting hundreds of visitors to a Lakeland beauty spot. According to In-Cumbria: "Wild swimming is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK." Saturdays event will introduce newcomers to the sport with canoe safety, speedboat safety and on site first-aiders provided by organisers. Participants will include entries from previous team GB and élite athletes. For more information, email chloe@acs-events.co.uk or call 07825 201657 or go to www.acs-events.co.uk and click on "events", then Windermere Wild Swim. As for me, I will be swimming in the warm coastal waters of Mounts Bay and St Ives. 03 September 2011
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The Oldest Person to Swim the Channel | ||
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Roger Allsopp, aged 70 years and four months, swam from Dover to France in 17 hours and 51 minutes. The record was formally held by George Brunstad in who swam accomplished it in August 2004 aged 70 years and four days. Roger from Guernsey, was inspired to take on this epic swim by an inscription at a pub in Dover marking Brunstad's cross-Channel achievement. Captain Matthew Webb was the first to swim the Channel some 136 years ago, swimming from Dover to Cap Gris Nez in 21 hours and 45 minutes using the British Breaststroke all the way. His success sparked a swimming frenzy across the country, the New York Times reported: 'The London baths are crowded; each village pond and running stream contains youthful worshippers at the shrine of Webb and even along the banks of the river, regardless of the terrors of the Thames police, swarms of naked urchins ply their limbs, each probably determined that he one day will be another Captain Webb.' This enthusiasm proved to much of an embarrassment for Victorian society and so restrictions were imposed restrain swimmers in their exuberance. In my hometown of Leicester, river swimming restrictions were enforced that same year, ensuring that naked boys would no longer disturb the sensibilities of respectable ladies walking to work or relaxing in the park. Eventually swimmers rounded up and contained at indoor pools and today the enthusiasm for swimming is but a shadow of its former self in the UK. 01 September 2011
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Would you and yours take a swim on the wild side? | ||
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Just how safe is wild swimming? Is it really worth the risk? Read Victoria Wallops article and balance the joys and pleasures of wild swimming with sound advice. 31 August 2011
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Garachico Natural Swimming Pools Tenerife | ||
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Recently advice has been given to British tourists warning against their brainless drunken antics now known as balcony jumping. In the UK the tomestoning craze is yet another example of outright stupidity; to jump into the unknown is no different to playing Russian roulette. Yet jumping into water can be both safe and great fun. Whilst on holiday in Tenerife I took some video of the natural swimming pools at Garachico. Here in the UK strong warnings are given to discourage youngsters from jumping into water, in Spain jumping platforms are constructed and people of all ages enjoy jumping into the sea. 29 August 2011
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Boy of 9 swims the Tay | ||
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Mika Mitchell decided to follow in his father's footsteps and try a long distance swim. After completing his swim he said: "It's a lot different from swimming in a pool - it's a lot colder but I definitely want to do it again. I was really tired afterwards, but that hasn't put me off." His father Robert kept a watchful eye from a support boat, but he needed no assistance, completing the crossing in just less than three quarters of an hour. With this experience under his belt he is looking for another watery challenge. 28 August 2011
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Whatever Next? - RoSPA Recommend Wild Swimming! | ||
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How bizarre! Yesterday Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA's Chief Executive informed the world on his blog; Safety Gone Sane, that he and many others at RoSPA: "often go wet and wild." He tells us of his swimming in "all of the Great Lakes… the Ganges at Varanasi (spiritually uplifting but bacterially soupy). Also, if you take to cold water with all the happy, panting enthusiasm of a Newfoundland dog, you might as well swim there too, and I have." Regarding his motivation Tom continues: "When you emerge, reborn and renewed, everything in your life looks that little bit sharper and brighter, there is a tiny, involuntary smile on your lips and, for the rest of the day, you walk, springy with joy, on a soft cushion of fresh mountain air." His blog post includes some sensible advice on avoiding the dangers associated with wild swimming, to which I would add the need to immediately exit the water should an electrical storm approach. Perhaps this revelation along with the welcome news that Nick Clegg and William Hague are partial to traditional swimming in the wild will help shift the resolute opposition displayed by some local authorities towards wild swimming. 27 August 2011
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Is Wild Swimming too Dangerous? | ||
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Brain-Eating Amoebas Kill Three Swimmers in the USA
The official advice is to go ahead and jump in - but hold your nose! Just how serious a threat to health are these deadly amoebas? Why are they so harmful? Should you keep your children out of the water? According to SHOTS NPR'S Health Blog, although infection is very rare, swimmers have a 1 in 10,000,000 chance of dying from the infection. In the UK the risk of death from Weil's disease is 1 in 20,000,000, and for many that means that wild swimming is just too dangerous to contemplate. But do these statistics indicate that outdoor swimming really is a danger to health, should we keep out of the water altogether? Well perhaps a comparison of risks would be helpful. Think for a moment about the very high risk of mortality whilst engaging in everyday activities, take for example travelling by car. 1 in 6,500 travellers die in car accidents each year in the USA, which means that 1 in every 83 Americans will end their life in a car accident (1 in 9600 die each year in the UK). How then do these risks compare? Adults and children are at alarmingly high risk of death when travelling by car, yet we accept these risks, not even giving a thought to them before jumping into the car with our children. As we accept these very high risks even for needless journeys why do we over-react when hearing alarmist reports about the risks of wild swimming in the press? Partly because these reports are just that - alarmist, they are designed to catch attention, filling readers with fear. Another factor is that it's human nature to strain out the nat whilst gulping down the camel. Read the full article for yourself and don't be frightened by everything you hear. If your children want to swim in a warm lake this summer, keep an eye on them and make sure they hold their nose when they jump in! 20 August 2011
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The Danger of Swimming in Chlorinated Pools | ||
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Gain some incite into the continued risk of swimming in Chlorinated water. Within 20 minutes of entering the water of a chemically treated pool, those same chemicals start to appear in your urine. Even spectators and those working on the poolside take in the fumes which could affect their health. It takes up to four hours for the body to flush the carcinogens from your body. Young children are especially at risk as toddlers absorb the chemicals faster than older children and adults. More… 19 August 2011 | |
Wild Swimming: are its days numbered? | ||
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Our political leaders seem to share a love for swimming in lakes and rivers. But health-and-safety fears mean many councils are seeking to ban it. Read the article in todays Guardian! 18 August 2011
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Nick Clegg loves to swim in Icy Lakes | ||
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Ephraim Hardcastle reports in the Mail Online that Nick Clegg deputy prime minister loves wild swimming in icy lakes and the sea and asks: "doesn't everyone?" He has even persuaded William Hague to join him in his pursuits. Perhaps we can expect a hearing ear when it comes to the freedom to swim in the England. Swimming restrictions in Leicester. 17 August 2011
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Wild Swimming and Tombstoning | ||
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With the wonderful sunny weather people have been taking to the water all over the country and so inevitably voices have been raised about the dangers of wild swimming and tombstoning. Youngsters in the UK are advised in the press never to jump into open waters, whereas their counterparts throughout Europe are given a very different message. It's true that outdoor swimming carries with it some risks, but the same can be said for other summertime activities. Walking to the park involves crossing busy roads, yet we all know that despite the dangers, roads can be safely crossed and we teach even young children how to do so. There has to be a difference between crossing when the road is clear and risking life and limb by stepping out into traffic without looking. Likewise there is a big difference between jumping into water that is deep enough and risking ones life by jumping into the unknown and danger. Outdoor swimming has many benefits. Children soon learn water safety and on a hot summer's day why shouldn't we all enjoy our countryside and coastline by swimming in the wild? 09 August 2011 | |
Wild Swimming in Switzerland | ||
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Wild Swimming in Switzerland is just as popular as it used to be here in the UK just a hundred years ago. What a contrast now exists between our British attitudes towards river and lake swimming and attitudes in the rest of Europe. An article in yesterdays Guardian starts with a sign at the entrance to Zürich's largest cemetery; 'detailing all the things that are not allowed - No Jogging, No Cycling, No Dogs, No Littering, No Beachwear … Sorry, no beachwear?' Yes the Swiss take the plunge on a regular, often daily basis. Read the article and you will discover that wild swimming is not all that wild after all: click here. For full details of where to swim: click here. For a swimming weather app: click here. To read the history of Wild Swimming in the UK read Hung Out to Dry, Chris Ayriss. 23 July 2011
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The Joys of Outdoor Swimming | ||
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Ordnance Survay magazine features an article on Wild Swimming this month stating: "Outdoor swimming, sometimes called wild swimming, involves swimming in open water and it's invigorating, adventurous, refreshing and a lot of fun for all the family if you follow some basic rules."Read the article. 20 July 2011
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The Big Jump | ||
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Today, swimmers across Europe will be jumping into their local rivers at 3 pm, in a coordinated celebration of successful EU water protection legislation. Sadly in the UK we lag behind the rest of Europe in taking up this challenge to jump in and enjoy our clean rivers, as many of us are still doubtful about the health and safety of open water swimming. In our 'enlightened' times we love to be told what to do and how to do it, and as there will be no lifeguard standing on the riverbank most will be content with just 'tut tutting' at what many see as simply another English eccentricity. Through the last 100 years, British culture has seen a complete overhaul in attitudes towards open water swimming. In my home city of Leicester we once had 5 corporation run riverside lidos. During the summer, Sundays saw thousands take the plunge as a matter of course. It's hard to grasp just how much British attitudes towards swimming have changed. The Serpentine lake in Hyde Park London overflowed with swimmers, so much so that by October 1911, 275,745 had been counted as swimming in the lake. The Victoria Park Bathing Lake attracted 25,000 bathers on a summers morning. We have gone from complete acceptance and encouragement for open water swimming to the adoption of distrustful misconceptions. Many here in the UK see river swimming as dangerous and river waters as an unclean health hazard. In fact nothing could be further from the truth. Despite all this negativity the Outdoor Swimming Society have been encouraging swimmers to take part in this annual event now in its fourth consecutive year. To find a swim near you visit the OSS big jump. Discover the history of outdoor British swimming by reading: Hung Out to Dry, Swimming and British Culture by Chris Ayriss 10 July 2011
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Serpentine's poisonous algae puts 2012 swimming events in danger | ||
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Failure to control the growth of blue-green algae could threaten its use as a venue for the 2012 Olympics. Swimming is banned in the lake as the algae can cause skin rashes and eye irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea. The lake is to be used for the 2012 triathlon and the 10km marathon swim. The Environment Agency recommends using barley straw to control blue-green algae. This method keeps the water fresh at Henleaze Lake in Bristol and at the Children's Bathing Beach at the Cotswold Water Park. 01 July 2011 see also: the history of swimming on the Serpentine.
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Simple Swimming Techniques can Prevent Tragedy | ||
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Learn how teaching even very young children a simple technique can save their lives. 26 June 2011
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To the Showers! Poll Highlights Health Hazards of Public Swimming | ||
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Are our bathing waters safe? discover how a parasite that survives for up to seven days in a chlorinated swimming pool could pose a threat to the health of your family. 26 June 2011
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Keri-Anne Payne's guide to open water swimming | ||
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Go on, get involved in open water swimming. Find out how and why you really should give it a go. 16 June 2011
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How clean are our beaches rivers and lakes? | ||
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Wild swimming in clear clean water, or is it? Find out just how clean our bathing waters are. 16 June 2011
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Love swimming outdoors? | ||
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Join Mencap on 24th July at Dorney Lake and raise money for people with a learning disability. Open to swimmers of all abilities you can make it a fun day out or give it your all and be in contention to win a prize for the top three fastest swimmers. Sign up at www.mencap.org.uk/mencapmile." 14 June 2011
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The Big Jump Sunday July 10, 2011 | ||
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Even though we are still a little afraid of outdoor swimming in the UK; wild swimming is steadily rising in popularity. The Big Jump is an inspiring project that captivates the essence of current EU water protection legislation into a single public act. Take a look at the OSS big jump page and find an event near you!12 June 2011
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Afternoon Reading - Lido - 1. To Brixton Beach | ||
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Radio 4 broadcast: Three stories that explore the most evocative experience of summer - outdoor swimming. A mysterious swimmer spends all day in the pool at Brockwell Lido. Read by Adjoa Andoh. 07 June 2011 | ||
Blue Peter's Andy Akinwolere Transformes From Non Swimmer To Swimming Star | ||
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One in five children in the UK can't swim, and you are twice as likely to be a non swimmer if you come from an ethnic minority. Just two months ago Blue Peter's Andy Akinwolere could not swim a length until he decided to do something about it. He overcame his fear of water by learning to swim and then swam eight kilometers in one of the most dangerous stretches of ocean; the Marianna Trench. Watch this video and be inspired! 06 June 2011 | ||
New Open Water Swimming Safety Video | ||
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This video produced by the River and Lake Swimming Association is essential viewing for wild swimmers young and old! 30 May 2011
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Pells Pool in Lewes marks 150th anniversary | ||
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Pells pool built to contain wild swimming mill workers and hide them from public view, celebrated its 150th anniversary on Saturday. Watch the video… 30 May 20 2011
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Wild swimming in the Canary IslandsFor the adventurous, a 'bucket list' round trip between Masca and Los Gigantes is a must. Or if staying in Gran Canaria discover the hidden joys of sea caves and tunnels more... 28 May 2011 |
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The Diving Venus Radio 4, 11am, TODAY May 27 2011
Swimmer and explorer Kate Rew tells the fascinating story of Annette Kellerman, the 1920s Australian vaudeville star and champion swimmer who dived into glass tanks, popularized the one-piece swimsuit and became the first woman to attempt to swim the English Channel.
Paralysed by polio as a child, Kellerman was introduced to swimming as a therapy. When she discovered that her limbs 'found their true congenial element in water', she quickly became an ambitious swimmer.
Her family moved to England to promote her and in 1904 she swam 26 miles down the Thames from Putney to Blackwall, training on a diet of bread and milk. The Daily Mail picked up her story and sponsored her to become the first woman to attempt to swim the English Channel .
In her twenties she took a job performing her unusual water ballet act as a mermaid at the London Hippodrome. It was here that she became known as the Diving Venus.
But swimming was also a political act for Kellerman. She was a campaigner for the right of women to wear a one piece swim suit. While visiting Boston Beach in 1907, she appeared before the press in a tight-fitting one-piece swimsuit and was later arrested.
Kate Rew explores the many layers to Kellerman's life and her own affinity with Kellerman's story. She talks to Margaret Drabble, another swimmer with a passion for mermaids. We hear from the dancer Beth Dean, who went to see Kellerman perform her underwater ballet in the 1920s and we hear extracts from Kellerman's own writings on swimming. 'Swimming cultivates imagination; the man with the most is he who can swim his solitary course through night and day and forget a black earth full of people who push', she wrote.
Produced by Sarah Cuddon
A Falling Tree Production for BBC Radio 4.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011ckx8
The latest from the BBC on Wild Swimming
Free diving - see just what the human body is capable of. Fast forward as the swimming is in the last 1/3 18 May 2011
Can't see underwater? Find out how some can! 18 May 2011
Wild Swimming Mayor!
Rob Fryer's Wild Swimmers Guide was released yesterday; May 15, 2011 at Farleigh and District Swimming Club. Mayor of Trowbridge Cllr. Clive Blackmore jumped into the river to celebrate. Wild swimming authors; Daniel Start (Wild Swimming), Kate Rew (Wild Swim), Chris Ayriss (Hung Out to Dry), Jean Perraton (Swimming against the stream) and Susan Parr (The Story of Swimming) were all there to celebrate Rob's success in producing his wild swimming catalog of more than 600 locations across the UK! Buy Now 16 May 2011
Children Live in Fear
Today children live in fear and sadly parents are to blame. The Moors murders of the 1960's have had a devastating effect on childhood. Shockwaves spread across the country as feelings of unease and insecurity took root in the mind of every parent and child. Fear of strangers has been growing steadily and has impacted markedly on the experience of childhood. Whereas children used to enjoy the freedom of the countryside, spending much of their time cycling, swimming and exploring, fears for the safety of children today, mean that most are kept securely indoors.
A new survey of 1,500 children 6-15 years old, found that 15% were unable to swim, one in ten could not ride a bike, and a quarter had never run more than 400 metres. Swimming in particular was highlighted as especially enjoyable for children, and parents are encouraged to take their children along to the swimming pool to enjoy some family fun together. As more and more cars crowd our streets, children have been pushed out of their former playground. However a new initiative is designed to combine the joys of cycling with wild swimming. The Outdoor Swimming Society has teamed up with Sustrans to show outdoor swimming spots on their online cycling map in the future so that families can cycle to nearby swims and its hoped that the map will be available later in the summer. www.sustrans.org.uk/map This could prove to be a refreshing change for children who are becoming overly attached to their computer screens. A new swimming computer game produced with assistance from swimming star Michael Phelps has been unveiled this week by X BOX. My advice is for parents and children to spend some fun time together enjoying the great British countryside. To find a dip near you take a look at Rob Fryers new Wild Swimming Guide available for £13.00 from Amazon.co.uk from May 15, 2011. Alternatively get a copy signed by Rob himself on Sunday May 15 from his book launch at the Farleigh and District Swimming Club from 2.00 pm. This will be an opportunity to meet some of the famous authors of wild swimming books; Daniel Start (Wild Swimming and Wild Swimming Coast) Kate Rew (Wild Swim) and Chris Ayriss (Hung Out to Dry - Swimming and British Culture) Jean Perraton (Swimming against the Stream) and Susan Parr (The story of Swimming - available in the autumn) see you in the river! 08 May 2011
May; the start of the Swimming Season!
Back in 1587, Everard Digby published his book: De Arte Natandi - that is to say in English - The Art of Swimming. At a time of hostility towards river swimming, Digby tried to elevate the sport from Wild Swimming to a Science. His book gave advice not to swim alone and to limit one's adventures to the warmer months from May to August, which all sounds pretty sensible to me.
In our modern age, Wild Swimming is again sneered at by some. Surprisingly though, the reasons for the current attitude of prejudice remain much the same. Today those who venture into British waterways are seen to be just as eccentric as was Digby and his followers. The interim between Digby's day and the situation now, saw the rise and fall of the great British Swimming Empire. Much was accomplished as the English braved the waters and conquered their fears of getting wet.
Will 2011 be the year of the Wild Swimmer? The good weather we have seen so far has certainly encouraged many to dip their toes into the water. Yet this has not gone unnoticed by the powers that be. Digby sought to reduce the risk of drowning through education, whereas many authorities see swimming bans as the most rational approach. The battle for Britain's waterways is now well underway as Wild Swimming is here to stay. 04 May 2011
Too much to Bear
A new ruling in Barcelona will see holidaymakers fined for wearing swimming costumes on the streets. The tolerance of the Spanish is wearing thin as holidaymakers take liberty's by wandering around the streets in clothing meant for the beach. Fines will vary from 120 - 500 euros. 'Egidio Pagliotta, 68, an ice-cream salesman, said "there was a lot of permissiveness and (the new regulation) will be better for everyone." ' 30 April 2011
Compare California to the UK when it comes to Wild Swimming
Those of us who like to swim in open waters during the summer realise that not everyone approves of wild swimming. Compare attitudes here to those in California by reading this article. Notice in-particular that swimming is permitted even without lifeguards. 30 April 2011
Safe Summer Swimming Advice from the USA
As many as a thousand children die in the USA each year due to swimming injuries. Simple precautions such as assigning one adult to watch over children in the pool or lake, teaching children not to dive into shallow water, to bathe in pairs and never swim alone add up to a common sense and a life saving formula. more… 30 April 2011
Free Swimming at Tinside Lido, Plymouth
Opening on May 28 through to September 2011, residents and visitors to Plymouth will be able to enjoy free-swimming at Tinside Lido. In 2010 adults paid £6.40 for an all day pass and children £4.25. Plymouth City Council hope the scheme will boost tourism to the area. Plymouth Hoe is a historic swimming site; although the Lido is sadly all that is left for swimmers of an area steeped in swimming history. Most recently, Tom Daily was inspired at the tender age of seven to launch himself on a career that has taken him to the top, by the diving boards on the Hoe. If tempted to visit the Lido, take the time to read up on the history of this swimming paradise, now all but lost. 18 April 2011
Wild swimming on BBC 2 this Sunday
British Gas Great Salford Swim, will get full TV coverage this Sunday. Last years event, the first of its kind since changes in British culture brought an end to river and lake swimming events, attracted over 2,000 swimmers with many more expected this year. This event not only acts as an ambassador for outdoor wild swimming, its unique setting and atmosphere will help raise expectations for the future. British Waterways and the Environment Agency are soon to merge into one waterways charity. This could be good or it could be bad for wild swimmers. British Waterways official policy seems to be prejudiced towards wild swimming, whereas the Environment Agency allows responsible swimming. The future of events such as this thus hang in the balance as the new charity will have to decide on how they will view wild swimming in the future, whether with pride or prejudice? Only time will tell. For more information visit: greatswim.org to have your say on the changes email: NWCresponses@defra.gsi.gov.uk 16 April 2011
River Swimming Restrictions in Leicester
Read my letter of response to Adrian Lane Senior Riverside Officer for Leicester City Council regarding the prejudice shown towards outdoor swimmers in Leicester. 13 April 2011 wild swimming.
Fury at Swimming Pool Price Rise
The Salisbury Journal reports on changes to the prices charged at Five Rivers Leisure Centre as prices rise by 57%. Angry parents are venting their feelings over a massive price increase for swimmers. Children swam for free until last October, then they had to pay £2.30 per swim but now it costs £4.15. One mother said: "They are supposed to be encouraging children to live active lifestyles but people won't be able to afford to go at those prices. There's not much else for children to do in Salisbury that is affordable." More… The good news is that not too far away at Farleigh and District Swimming Club family's can enjoy wild swimming at a fraction of the costs. Farleigh membership: You can pay £1 per adult and 50p per (accompanied) child per day until you reach 50% more than the annual sub. Children under 12 must be accompanied but those 12 - 15 can become adult members, although they need a parents signature on the application form. Less than the cost of a leisure pass in Salisbury! 08 April 2011
Info: T: 01985 847168 M: 07733 191395
405 to many deaths in the UK (2009)
A new report from WAID shows that 405 died last year in the UK . Children especially need training in water safety. Education saves live as does experience in open water wild swimming. 04 April 2011
Turn your chlorinated pool over to saltwater!
Swimming pools need clean water, but some pool owners are turning their back on chlorination and are converting to salt water. The water feels smother and your hair and body are not affected by harsh chemicals. 04 April 2011
Time will tell! British Swimming have teamed up with the BBC in a four-year-deal that will see much more coverage of the sport during the run up to both the Olympic Games 2012, and the Commonwealth Games in 2014. It is hoped that we will see a marked increase in the demand for swimming lessons as well as increase in public participation in the sport. Sadly a disappointing lack of diving facilities means that inspiration is unlikely to be played out in the pools of Britain. Even so a new campaign: The Big Splash will be launched in partnership with the BBC so as to encourage swimming lessons and get people swimming. Take a look at some of the campaigns from the past by following these links... 31 March 2011
River to Open Again for Swimmers
Pollution is the main reason given for the closure of rivers to wild swimmers. However in Australia, Cr Peter Jamieson is calling for a re-think on the current ban on wild swimming in the Port River which has been in place since the early 1960s. Water testing shows that pollution problems have now all but disappeared and so he is asking the council if they should promote wild swimming between Bower Rd and the expressway bridges. He suggests the council could look at setting up pontoons, a training pool with floating walls, ladders on wharfs and possibly a diving platform. After a 50 year ban this is welcome news for wild swimmers. 30 March 2011
Are Swimming Pools Soon To Be History?
Lido's and sea swimming pools are under threat as budgets are tightened and in some cases cut completely. This article from today's Guardian examines the precarious state of many historic outdoor pools. more. 15 March 2011
Chlorine box or wild swimming pool?
Why are we so behind the times? 16 February 2011
Swimming Underwater for 5 minutes on One Breath
Human Planet: Oceans. February 2011
Open Water Swimming Magazine
A new magazine written especially for open water swimmers is to be released on February 11, 2011. The production of this bi-monthly magazine: H2Open priced at £3.50 is yet another indicator of the growing interest in open water / wild swimming. 04 February 2011
Wild Swimming for all in Berne's fast-flowing city river
This must see video of wild swimming in Switzerland will take your breath away... 22 January 2011
Improve your swimming technique with an online swimming lesson
This page of video instruction will help you to recognise both where you have room for improvement and help you hone your water skills. Learn to swim... 19 January 2011
Cause for celebration
Leicester City was once celebrated for its great swimmers. There were 4 lidos built right into the river or canal and Olympic champions such as John Jarvis swam straight out of these waters and into the record books. Sadly as pollution increased, an end was brought to joys of wild swimming in Leicester. Otters (who thrive only in clean water) have been missing from Leicester for over 30 years. But according to the Environment Agency; river water quality has improved year on year for the last two decades. In fact things have improved so much that Adrian lane, a Senior Riverside Officer for Leicester City Council, was quoted in yesterdays BBC Leicester report as saying "the return of the otters after over 30 years was a positive indication." If the waters are clean enough for otters one could ask, are they clean enough for people? As the country's first Environment City we wait to see whether the freedom to swim in Leicester's historic waters will be granted in 2011. 13 January 2011
Are Children Influenced By What They See On TV?
Time will tell! British Swimming have teamed up with the BBC in a four-year-deal that will see much more coverage of the sport during the run up to both the Olympic Games 2012, and the Commonwealth Games in 2014. It is hoped that we will see a marked increase in the demand for swimming lessons as well as increase in public participation in the sport. Sadly a disappointing lack of diving facilities means that inspiration is unlikely to be played out in the pools of Britain. Even so a new campaign: The Big Splash will be launched in partnership with the BBC so as to encourage swimming lessons and get people swimming. Take a look at some of the campaigns from the past by following these links... 31 March 2011
500 Open Water Swimmers a week
Heron Lake has been open for outdoor wild swimmers for more than seven years now. It costs £5.00 per person per swim but discounts are available. 31 March 2011
Opening Times and Days
Saturday mornings - 6am to 9am
Sunday mornings - 6am to 9am
Monday evenings - 6pm to 8pm
Wednesday mornings - 6am to 9am
Contact Martyn Edwards enquiries@openwaterswimminguk.co.uk or call 07909 915444.
Swimming Robots to be used in Eye Surgery
Tiny swimming robots could be use in the future to help you see better. 30 March 2011
Wild swimmers Tragic Death - Africa
A boy of 12 met a tragic end when swimming with friends in a river on a very hot day, having gone to collect water for his family. A crocodile launched a horrific attack, eating the boy whilst his friends barely escaped with their lives. 30 March 2011
Free Swimming This Weekend
Spring is in the air and you are invited to celebrate this weekend with a free swim at in the Olympic-sized Brockwell Park lido. The outdoor pool is running a free weekend to mark the start of the six month swimming season on the weekend of April 2 and 3. 28 March 2011
Free Swimming Returns
Free swimming was withdrawn by many councils across the country last year. But from April 1st, residents from Medway Kent (under-11s and over 60s) will be able to swim for free. 26 March 2011
72 Year Old Wild Swimming Star
Lynette Usher turned her back on the swimming pool and took to the surf despite having two artificial knees. Seasick three times, she battled the current and succeeded in swimming to success with a little kind encouragement. She is an inspiration to us all. 19 March 2011. more...
Safe Swimming India
In an effort to dramatically reduce the incidence of drowning in India. The Rashtriya Life Saving Society (RLSSI), based in Pune, celebrated its tenth anniversary of life saving and life guarding, with a two-day workshop for school children, parents and teachers in the city on Saturday. 14 March 2011 More...
Swimming Pools Axed
Wild swimmers prefer to swim outdoors, still most enjoy swimming indoors from time to time. Children learn life preserving skills at the indoor pool and swimming is the country's favorite participation sport with 3,000,000 swimming once each week. As money is cut from council budgets, indoor swimming opportunities for our increasingly obese society will be hard hit. more... 01 March 2011
Swimming With A Gentle Giant
Discover how and where you can swim with hundreds of manatees 10 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. more... 01 March 2011
Chlorine box or wild swimming pool?
Why are we so behind the times? 16 February 2011
Swimming Underwater for 5 minutes on One Breath
Human Planet: Oceans, preview - BBC One. 14 February 2011
Wild swimming hero honored in the Leicester Mercury
John/Jack Arthur Jarvis won 108 swimming championships including two golds at the Paris Olympics in 1900. He learned to swim in the canal at Leicester and founded the Leicester Swimming Club. He was one of only 15 swimmers honored at the official opening of America's Swimming Hall of Fame in 1968. more... 12 February 2011
East River Swimming
Open water wild swimming is on the increase across the pond! This video from America shows that the trend is taking hold once more in this traditional swimming river. more... 07 February 2011
No Swimming for a Reason!
Throughout the U.K. NO SWIMMING signs manage to put most people off wild swimming in rivers lakes and canals - even on the hottest days. Yet in Queensland Australia a 37-year-old went swimming in a creek outside Weipa, on Saturday night and was shocked to encounter a saltwater crocodile which grasped his hand. The swimmer punched the predators head with his free hand and managed to swim to safety. The swimmer, having been treated for puncture wounds to his back, wrist and hand will think twice next time he takes the plunge. British swimmers face very different risks, but to avoid tragedy whilst having fun in the water the risks still need to be recognised and prepared for. 07 February 2011
Open Water Swimming Magazine
A new magazine written especially for open water swimmers is to be released on February 11, 2011. The production of this bi-monthly magazine: H2Open priced at £3.50 is yet another indicator of the growing interest in open water / wild swimming. 04 February 2011
Wild Swimming for all in Berne's fast-flowing city river
This must see video of wild swimming in Switzerland will take your breath away... 22 January 2011
Improve your swimming technique with an online swimming lesson
This page of video instruction will help you to recognise both where you have room for improvement and help you hone your water skills. Learn to swim... 19 January 2011
Cause for celebration
Leicester City was once celebrated for its great swimmers. There were 4 lidos built right into the river or canal and Olympic champions such as John Jarvis swam straight out of these waters and into the record books. Sadly as pollution increased, an end was brought to joys of wild swimming in Leicester. Otters (who thrive only in clean water) have been missing from Leicester for over 30 years. But according to the Environment Agency; river water quality has improved year on year for the last two decades. In fact things have improved so much that Adrian lane, a Senior Riverside Officer for Leicester City Council, was quoted in yesterdays BBC Leicester report as saying "the return of the otters after over 30 years was a positive indication." If the waters are clean enough for otters one could ask, are they clean enough for people? As the country's first Environment City we wait to see whether the freedom to swim in Leicester's historic waters will be granted in 2011. 13 January 2011
Youngsters seen to be good citizens will be rewarded with a swimming voucher
The scheme is to be introduced at North Walsham in Norfolk next month. It will reward youngsters who set a good example in the community; by helping their neighbors, and disposing of litter responsibly. Those seen to be good citizens will know that their actions do not go unnoticed when they are rewarded with a swimming voucher... more. 12 January 2011
Swimming can cause cancer
Swimming in chlorinated water can damage your D.N.A. - according to reports from across the world. As swimmers enter the water without washing, chlorine reacts with sweat and other bodily excretions producing chemicals that can permanently affect the D.N.A and cause cancer. Swimming is good for us, but cleanliness is essential. Wild swimming in the pure waters of the great outdoors certainly has its advantages... more. 11 January 2011
Parents warned to keep babies out of the pool
Children under 2 years should be kept away from indoor swimming pools if their is a family history of allergies - according to a report from Berlin. As the incidence of Asthma is on the rise attention is being focused on the damaging effects of the indoor pool... more. 11 January 2011
German swimmers get to grips with the cold
Each year on the second Saturday in January, Germany's capital Berlin hosts the Ice Carnival. Ice swimmers from across Germany converge onto the Orankesee lake and take to the waters with many more looking on. What a contrast with our British culture. In many cities throughout Europe swimming is just part of the watery landscape. In Britain our attitudes towards wild swimming put authorities at odds with those who would like to try a dip on the wild side... more. 09 January 2011
Ocean swimming grows in popularity
The history of modern-day open water swimming may well date back to Lord Byron, who in 1810 swam across the Hellespont, the stretch of water separating Europe from Asia. Today the sport is gaining popularity worldwide. To find out more read this article from the Sydney Morning Herald. 07 January 2011
How do they do it?
The Mail online today carried an article covering the research of British scientists into the remarkable swimming abilities of the Leather back turtle. Swimming for up to 150 days in a perfectly straight line and covering more than 4,500 miles. These turtles seem to have a navigation system built-in. To find out more visit the article here. 05 January 2011
700 celebrate the new year in Boston harbor
The warmer than expected conditions drew many to the waters, with another 1,300 that came to watch the event. The traditional dip organised by the L Street Brownies dates back 100 years, but this years event has broken all previous records... more. 03 January 2011
Rivers cleanest since the industrial revolution
The Environment Agency claimed today that rivers in Wales are cleaner than at any time since the industrial revolution (writes David Williamson in the Western Mail). Great news for wild swimmers who would like nothing more than the freedom to swim in the country's wild waters. Otter populations are said to have increased 10 fold and plans are in hand to clean up the rest of our rivers over the next 5 years. This means that by 2016 Our clean rivers, if laid out in a straight line, would reach all the way to Australia... more. 31 December 2010
Braving the cold
I am just back from a seaside holiday with friends in Cornwall. When it came to sea swimming I found it warmer in than out! Well done to all those wild swimmers up and down the country who upheld the tradition of winter dipping. From the beach at Tenby to Albert Dock's in Liverpool and Crooklets beach in Bude. 30 December 2010
Wild swimming seven year old clocks up 15km
It took ten hours and thirty minutes for this young Malaysian swimmer to achieve his goal, but long distance swimming runs in the family. Well done to Firman Halim... more. 20 December 2010
88,000 less swimmers this year
Sport England are worried that the number of people participating in sport is falling to such a degree that funding may have to be reduced. Swimming is by far the most significant British sport when it comes to participation, yet a 2.5% decline to 3,156,300 is causing concern. By comparison football participation has dropped by 54,700 to 2,090,000. Changing lifestyles are causing a shift in British swimming culture along with other sports... more. 17 December 2010
Weymouth Christmas day swim
When the Christmas day swim first started, just 20 took to the waters. Last year 240 people swam at Weymouth and so the culture of British wild swimming continues to grow. Starting at 11.00am Their will be three races, along with a family fun event, so if you want to take part this year and raise some money for a good cause read the details for registration... more. 16 December 2010
No bodysuits - no world records
The FINA ban on rubberised bodysuits may have leveled the playing field but it has also set back the clock when it comes to world records. For the first time in a century the season could close without a single record being broken... more. 15 December 2010
Wild swimming at home!
Discover how to build your own wild swimming pool at a fraction of the cost of an outdoor pool and with very little maintenance. Watch this video and discover what you could be doing next summer... December 14, 2010
11 year old boy overcomes fear of sharks to swim 3km with his sister
Big sister Kate (13) stuck with Josh Nilson the whole way as they took part in the New Zealand 3.3km State Russell to Paihia Swim on Saturday. The siblings; members of the Kamo Swim Club, have been hooked on open water wild swimming since taking part in 750m event at last year's inaugural Russell to Paihia swim... more. 14 December 2010
Budget cuts mean the end of swimming hole
Changing times and the computer age are blamed for a lack of interest in the wild swimming hole - Mayville U.S.A. Some days during the summer their were more lifeguards than children swimming and budget cuts mean that the indoor pool has drained away the resorces needed to keep this outdoor natural swimming pool open. The pool was closed for two years following a flood but a large group of supporters object to its closure. "Wendy Metke remembers... riding her bike to the pool on summer afternoons and returning in the evening if she could." The pools future now hangs in the balance... more. 13 December 2010
Wild swimming in Siberia
For the winter swimming club in the Yenisei river Krasnoyarsk, wild swimming means -36C but it cant wipe the smile from those faces. Take a look at these photos... more. 13 December 2010
700 take up the Bay of Islands swim
700 swam 1km from Russell to Paihia New Zealand. Read the experiences of some who took part... more. 11 December 2010
Children poisoned
Nine children aged between 9 & 14 found themselves in hospital having been poisoned by chlorine. The incident took place on December 8 at the David Hambardzumyan swimming pool in Yerevan, the largest city and the capital of Armenia... more. 10 December 2010
Free swimming lessons for Camden
Tenants living in Camden are being encouraged to take to the waters at Kentish Town sports centre (from Monday 12am (December 13th) to Friday) in the Try Swimming campaign. Mayor of London Boris Johnson said that extra funding has been ascribed to 18 sport ventures throughout the city to help 200,000 individuals engage in physical activities... more. 10 December 2010
First the diving stage, then the lido now swimmers may be bared from the beach!
Western-super-Mare has had a chequered history from the swimmers point of view. Its lido and iconic diving board have been lost to history but now the beach is under threat. Having failed to meet water quality standards for three years on the trot, their is little wonder that most now swim indoors... more. 09 December 2010
A new pool brings better health
Many Aboriginal children have a poor school attendance record (40%) and suffer from ear and skin infections (60%). Yet a new pool sees the school playground almost deserted at lunchtime as children cool off and learn to swim. Attendance is up and general health improving at Yipirinya School! more. 09 December 2010
Advice on safe wild swimming from New Zealand
As temperatures soar to 28 degrees Celsius many are taking the plunge to cool off. Advice to avoid problems whilst swimming include making sure you can see your toes when standing in water at calf depth, and avoiding the water for three days after heavy rain... more. 08 December 2010
15 million children learn to swim and survive
Last year 56 children under 17 droned in Australia. It is hoped that the swim and survive program will address the need for basic aquatic education and life saving skills... more. 07 December 2010
The outdoor swimming Society - Dec 4th
The snow surrounding Parliament Hill lido did not deter 200 intrepid wild swimmers from taking the plunge in waters that were so cold they were about to ice over. Aged between 14 and 70, members of the outdoor swimming society were led into the water by Kate Rew (founder) and came out on the other side recommending the exhilaration of cold water wild swimming... more. 05 December 2010
What's it like to swim in the cold?
Karen Throsby tells her wild swimming story - as she swims in the unheated waters of Parliament Hill lido... more. 03 December 2010
Swimming prohibition lifted
The litigation culture that has blown over from the States seems here to stay in the U.K, so you might be surprised to learn of a story from Portland's Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park CT U.S.A. A regulation enacted 1966 outlawed bathing, swimming, underwater swimming and diving in any quarry within the town, with a $100 fine for each transgression. But people have been wild swimming and diving since the park opened in July 2007. Despite the litigation culture we here so much about, swimming and diving in these quarry's now has full legal recognition... more 08 December 2010
Swimming - the exercise of choice in India
The Times of India describes swimming as 'physiotherapy in water' recommending it as the most calming and de-stressing form of exercise... more November 30, 2010
Chlorine wipes the smile from young faces
A study of 500 regular swimmers revealed that 66% had suffered tooth erosion through contact with chlorine... more November 30, 2010
Free swimming lessons
The government announced today the launch of 'The Great Swampathon,' good news for British swimming. The £250 million scheme will see vouchers in the form of cheque books distributed through Asda stores, Sunday newspapers, schools and doctors surgeries, offering discounts for swimming lessons and gym membership. The government hope that this will help the great British public fulfill their New Years resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle and at the same time save a fortune in healthcare... more November 30, 2010
Cold water swimming championships
Register now as their are only 350 places available on January 22nd 2011. The cold water swimming championships are organised by South London Swimming Club at Tooting Bec lido... more November 29, 2010
Girl power in India
277 turn out for the Navy Day celebrations in Colabra. But it seems that the men and boys were no match for the mermaids of India... more November 29, 2010
1000+ brave the cold water (Australia)
"The water was so cold it took your breath away from the beginning and it then took a fair while to be able to get it back and get into some form of rhythm.The swell out the back also is really deceptive, it doesn't look like much but it was really quite big out there." more November 29, 2010
Wash away chlorine
The cold weather and lack of daylight drives many wild swimmers indoors during the winter. Regular swimmers know that chlorine is not good for their skin and hair. Reduce the risk of damage and irritation by washing with mild soap and plenty of warm water. Unless you want your children to be bleached, make sure they wash too. Even after washing thoroughly your hair and skin still hold on to the chemical. The next time you shower you will still detect the smell of chlorine... more November 29, 2010
Give the gift of life
Swimming lessons can mean the difference between life and death. This story from the U.S.A. compares three real life accounts, showing the tragic consequences that can result from a lack of survival skills with the gift of life possible through child training. We should teach our children to swim, and we should start early - because we love them... more. November 24, 2010
Archaeologists discover ancient swimming pool
The remains of an 1,800 year old Roman swimming pool (part of a larger bath house) have been discovered during construction work for a ritual bath. The pool was built as part of the expansion of Jerusalem following it's destruction by the Romans in 70 C.E. Steps, a white mosaic floor and terracotta roof tiles have intrigued archaeologists as this is the only find in the city from this period and adds to our understanding of swimming history... more. November 22, 2010
New Zealanders think twice before swimming
A scandal has emerged regarding the water quality of a third of New Zealand's lakes and rivers. Wild swimming - once seen as a healthy alternative to the chlorinated swimming pool, has come under threat as contamination from farming, heavy metal pollutants and an inadequate sewage system worsens. A lack of consistent policy has taken its toll on New Zealand's once crystal clear waters and wild swimming once seen as a national right, is now in jeopardy. Much needs to be done to restore the confidence of the nation's swimmers... more November 21,2010
NO SWIMMING
All over the U.K. no swimming signs put an end to the prospect of outdoor swimming for the majority of the population. After all you could swim into a shopping trolley or catch Weil's Disease. In Australia two men spotted an 11-foot crocodile at a popular wild swimming hole. What would they do? Ban wild swimming across the country? Have the police chase children out of the water? No they grabbed it, packed it into their truck and released it the next day well out of harms way. Australians do not promote the prejudice towards wild swimming that we have perfected here in the UK. Rather than ending the joys of wild swimming when a problem arises, the problem is removed - in true Australian fashion. In the UK we have things upside down! More, November 19, 2010
3387 miles in 46 days - Amazon swim
Professional water polo player Darko Novovic swam for sixteen hours, averaging 74 miles a day in a metal cage to protect him from sharks, crocodiles and piranhas. Polluted water and deadly whirl pools could not stop this wild swimmer from writing his name in the record books, and making swimming history. November 18, 2010
Only 5% swim well enough to save their lives
Australia is in the news again as only 5% of students leaving primary school can swim 50 meters, tread water for 2 minutes and float with the assistance of a flotation device. Pupils from Northern Territory schools face grave danger as the Australian lifestyle includes a lot of unsupervised wild swimming. Deaths from drowning have reached record highs. According to NT NEWS swimming lessons should be mandatory. November 18, 2010
Swimming pools - bad for your health?
Doctors often recommend swimming as the preferred exercise for children suffering from asthma because of the moist air environment. However new studies show that swimming in chlorinated swimming pools actually contribute to active asthma. Surprisingly girls are at greater risk than boys and outdoor pools or lidos pose more of a threat than do indoor pools... more. All the more reason to keep our sea pools open! November 17, 2010
Liverpool children desert the pool
As free swimming has been cut, so British swimming pool attendances have halved. Half of the children benefiting from free swims now stay at home as charges have been reintroduced... more November 16, 2010
Swimming carnival canceled as too many can't swim - Australia
Although happy to splash about in the pool only a handful of students swam well enough to win any medals. As the emphasis on literacy and numeracy pushes swimming into the background so life preservation skills evaporate... more. November 16, 2010
A ticking time bomb
Over 50,000 children will leave primary school this year in Australia (one in five) who cannot swim 50 meters. Having failed to learn these basic skills at a young age they shy away from swimming activities. As teenagers they face an uncertain future as peer pressure forces them to take risks that could take their lives... more November 15, 2010
Shark - NO SWIMMING
In the UK we are not likely to suffer from shark attacks but on the other side of the world, in Australia, wild swimmers face a slight risk. The media impress vivid images on to the mind and their is no wonder that people shrink from the waters edge. Here in the UK we worry more about microscopic bugs, than sharks, but it is interesting to take a look at how our friends down under reason on the risks they face.
Clinical psychologist Neil McLean says people aren't that good at assessing probabilities. For example fatal shark attacks have taken on average one life each year for the last 50 years. By comparison bee stings take 3 lives a year whereas road accidents take 1,500. How is it that we jump into the car without hesitation but think twice before swimming in open water? MORE November 15, 2010
Boy of 9 braves the cold for Alcatraz swim
Daniel Bessonov's swam from Alcatraz Island to San Franciscoon on Sunday. Numb from the cold he fought the current to complete the swim in 41 minutes. His experience swimming in open water puts him at a distinct advantage over those taught only at indoor pools. Should a child ever have to swim for his life following a mishap its the experienced wild swimmer that stands the best chance, wild swimming saves lives... November 15, 2010
Swimming helps children with special needs
Swim therapy fills a void in the life of children with special physical and educational needs. Learning to swim boosts confidence and brings joy to student and teacher alike. November 15, 2010
Petition growing to save Bude sea pool
British culture again comes under threat as the local council plan to withdraw funding from the historic pool next year. A growing number of wild swimmers and holidaymakers are signing an online petition before the council meets to finalise their decision on November 30th. What will happen to this much loved icon of swimming history remains to be seen. To read the petition CLICK HERE. To find out more about the pool CLICK HERE. To visit Save Bude Sea Pool on Facebook CLICK HERE. November 14, 2011
Chlorine leak at swimming center in California puts 15 in hospital.
A chlorine leak was discovered today at the De Anza Cupertino Aquatics Swim Center after children complained of sore eyes and difficulty breathing. The fire department were called to control the emergency and arrived within seven minutes. 16 individuals had been affected as a pump began to release chlorine and acid. 15 needed treatment in hospital even after receiving emergency treatment at the scene. November 11, 2010
You can't cure the common cold but you can prevent it!
Swim five times a week and half the risk of catching a cold. Stress reduction and a healthy body are just as easy to reach as your local swimming pool, lake or river. November 10, 2010
More regulation needed for cross Channel swimming?
The French put an end to Channel swimming from their coast 17 years ago but still allow British wild swimmers to land if they set off from the U.K. Ferry firm DFDS spokesman Chris Newey said: "We do not want to pour cold water on what can be a fund-raising activity. ...our first and foremost priority is the health and safety and welfare of those at sea." As more and more take up the wild swimming challenge increased regulation in these busy waters seems inevitable. November 8, 2010
"I'm not taking swimming lessons. I hate swimming lessons. And I'm not doing them!"
From the Globe and Mail of Canada: should parents insist that their children learn to swim? November 5, 2010
Don't drink and swim!
Don't drink and swim is the message from Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) after statistics released today showed six people lost their lives in drowning incidents in October. November 5, 2010
Alice Springs Australia
Australian schoolchildren given detention for not swimming outdoors in water they said was too cold. November 4, 2010
Meet the Country's oldest lifeguard
Featured in the Leicester Mercury, Harry Williams from Leicester is said to be the country's oldest lifeguard at 78 years of age. November 4, 2010
Olympic Gold medallist Andy Holmes Dies of Weil's Disease
Tributes have been paid to double Olympic gold medallist who has died aged 51 from waterborne bacterial infection. Does his death call into question the advisability of swimming and rowing in open water? In truth, deaths from this cause are so rare that they hit the headlines whenever they occur. By comparison, the same can not be said for road deaths, they are so commonplace that we have come to accept the risk of driving as simply part of life. What then are the risks for open water British swimmers when it comes to Weil's disease?
Quoting from HUNG OUT TO DRY Swimming and British Culture page 106-7: "A comprehensive report headed 'Health Hazards Associated with the Recreational Use of Water',[1] indicated that the benefits we get from using water for fun far outweigh the risks. Dr Robin Philip, an epidemiologist at the University of Bristol, stands as a voice of reason amid the morass of media paranoia. By studying the history of the disease, he has been able to assess the risks to water users, including swimmers, stating:
'There are on average each year in the UK, some 2.5 cases of Weil's disease associated with bathing and water sports (i.e. one case among every two million annual recreational users). As the case fatality rate in the UK is 10-15 per cent, the chances of dying from Weil's disease associated with bathing and water sports is about 1:20 million exposed persons (i.e. one case in the UK every four years).'[2]
British swimmers should remember though, that it is not impossible to contract Weil's disease; risk is apparently heightened if a swimmer has an open cut, especially to the head. If you experience 'flu like symptoms within two to nineteen days of swimming in open water you should inform your doctor, so that he can make an informed diagnosis.[3] It should not be overlooked that anglers are equally at risk! The fact that they rarely enter the water in no way offers protection from the disease. Interestingly, most fishermen have to pay for a licence before they can practise their sport and yet authorities are in no way perturbed as they not only allow but very much encourage fishing activities. It's a shame that the same liberality afforded to anglers is not also shown towards swimmers. Instead they suffer persecution rather than encouragement, purely because of the bad press related to Weil's disease, with outrageous claims having been made regarding the risks to which swimmers are exposed. There is of course a slight chance that swimmers will encounter this problem. Nonetheless, by comparison, your chances of dying in a road accident are one in nine thousand six hundred[4] in any one year; so the emphasis on the risks of Weil's disease at one in twenty million are, I think you will agree, very much overstated.[5]"
After saying all this it is still possible to catch the disease as this case shows. It is tragic that anyone should lose their life to such a rare but deadly infection. Our thoughts then must surely rest with those he leaves behind.
[1] South Western Regional Health Authority: Report of a working party. Bristol, December 1991.
[2] Environmental Health, October 1992 page 295: This report covers all cases of the disease between 1982 and 1991, concluding that: 'the risks of contracting the disease and of dying from it, therefore seem to be lower among recreational water sports enthusiasts than for the general population.'
[3] Source: BCU advice regarding Weil's disease.
[4] Dr Robin Philip: Environmental Health, October 1992 page 295.
[5] The British Canoeing Union set out to assess the risks water sports enthusiasts are exposing themselves to when it comes to Weil's disease. They put the chances of catching and actually dying from the disease for a canoeist at 1:333,000 (Environmental Health October 1992 page 295).
Hung out to dry makes a wonderful gift!
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Does November spell the end of the wild swimming season?
For some it may, but for others the chill of seawater holds an unmistakable attraction. In her diary, Madame D'Arblay mentions bathing at Brighton in 1782, notice the date! 'Wednesday November 20th. Mrs and the three Miss Thrales and myself all rose at six o'clock in the morning and by the pale blink of the moon we went to the seaside, whence we had bespoke the bathing-women be ready for us and into the ocean we plunged. It was cold, but pleasant. I had bathed so often as to lose my dread of the operation, which now gives me nothing but animation and vigour.'(excerpt from Hung Out to Dry) October 30th 2010
Devon's warm crisp waters
I have just returned from a weeks seaside holiday, enjoying the crisp clean waters of south Devon. From the beach adjacent to the breakwater at Brixham, the historic beach at Slapton Sands, the beautiful Sunny Cove opposite Salcombe and the beaches adjacent to Burgh Island. The warm sunny weather and clear blue sea has lifted my spirits and renewed my zeast for life. Wild swimming at its best; Chris Ayriss. October 24, 2010
Australia's answer to the question of sport
From birth straight to the swimming pool; learn to swim classes for the very young are proving to be a life saver. On average one child drowns each week in Australia but early learning and an innovative website are setting the seeds of change. October 13, 2010
Safer outdoor swimming at Bogey Hole
'The future of the heritage listed wild swimming hole has been in doubt due to concerns about the poor condition of its rock steps and rusting handrails.' October 7, 2010
Was it worth it?
Discover how a first timer decided to embrace the age and try wild swimming despite the rain. October 6, 2010
Swim yourself thin
'One in four adults in the county are classed as obese, which is expected to be costing local health services £159m a year by 2015'. In Oxford the solution is said to lie in the swimming pool. October 1, 2010
2,000 turn out to witness the first Great Salford Wild Swim September 28 2010
David Mullins sets underwater world record
New Zealand office worker David Mullins swam nearly nine lengths underwater without fins and without taking a breath. more September 27 2010
Famous Pontypridd lido may reopen
'LOCALS have spoken of their delight at news that a famous old lido could reopen following a £75,000 cash boost.' more September 26 2010
The final swim in the series
The 2010 British Gas Great Swim series comes to a close this weekend with the final event at Salford Quays. more September 25, 2010
Blind man leads the way as wild swimmer
James Pittar 42km will swim a channel between the Hawaiian islands of Molokai and Oahu, guided by the sound of a whistle blown by his team every minute. more September 25, 2010
Really Wild Swimming
Wild river swimming at Cambridge; discussed in the TAB. September 25, 2010
Wild swimming in the news
Gary King takes his children out of the swimming pool to discover the thrill of outdoor swimming in the Lake District with Kate Rew. Gary says: 'So many things in life tend to disappoint... outdoor swimming isn't one of them.' September 24, 2010
Are we taking the wild out of wild swimming?
This article by Tracey Todhunter questions the way in which the wild swimming movement is evolving. What do you think? September 23, 2010
Success in teaching babies life skills
Babies learn to swim to safety and rescue themselves. September 22, 2010
Swimming for all
'57 per cent of new Canadians surveyed identified swimming as the water activity they engaged in most often, but it also found new Canadians were more than four times more likely to be unable to swim than those born in Canada.' September 21, 2010
Quadruple amputee plans Wild swimming from Europe to Africa
'Just days after wild swimming across the English Channel, quadruple amputee Philippe Croizon is already dreaming of a new challenge: crossing from Europe to Africa in the Strait of Gibraltar.' September 21, 2010
Education saves lives
In the UK we are so concerned about health and safety that we tend to outlaw anything that might pose a risk - especially when it comes to wild swimming. Education is by far the better option. The Australians are trying to educate tourists about beach and surf safety with a new video presentation. When it comes to wild swimming - education not only saves lives, it adds a new dimension to life. September 20, 2010
Limbless Frenchman swims the Channel
Wild swimmer Philippe Croizon, 42, swimming with prosthetic legs, a snorkel and mask made record time taking just thirteen and a half hours. September 19 2010
Non swimming children at risk
''All kids should learn to swim; it's a basic skill,'' September 19 2010
Wild swimming police circle the Isle of White
'An ignorant man neither knows how to read nor to swim.'
'This ancient proverb reveals just how the Romans esteemed swimming. Just as we frown on illiteracy today, they looked down on non-swimmers as incompetent.' (Hung Out to Dry Swimming and British Culture) In New Zealand the importance of swimming instruction seems to have slipped somewhat as highlighted in this news story. September 17 2010
Swimming Pools and Cancer
'"In no case do we want to stop swimming, but to encourage the reduction of chemicals in swimming pools," said Kogevinas, who suggested the problems caused by a reduction in levels of disinfectant could be offset if swimmers showered before taking a dip, wore bathing caps and refrained from urinating.' Alternatively swimmers could benefit by Wild Swimming in chemical free water! September 14 2010
Wild Swimming Rescue
Wild swimmers have to expect the unexpected. If you swim in rivers this could happen to you! September 13 2010
Another Charity swim canceled in the lake district
'The managing director of Distant Horizons outdoor centre, who was approached by the Outdoor Swimming Society to run the 10k challenge, was forced to cancel, he says, after the society increased the number of entrants from 100 to 180.' Are we taking the wild out of wild swimming? September 11 2010
11 Year Old Wild Swimmer Prepares for Alcatraz Swim
Facing 10 foot swells Shewil Ghosh jumped in and made a swim for it. September 12 2010
Wild Swimming Veterans Whiskeytown Lake
"... I could get the same kind of competition in swims closer to home, but I like swimming Whiskeytown because it's such a pretty area," he says. "Plus, the whole thing takes less than an hour, and I can spend the rest of the day on the beach having a great time with my family and hanging out with the other swimmers and their families." September 12 2010
Sydney's idyllic "saltwater rock pools"
Varying from a single-lane to full Olympic size, the more than 60 saltwater pools were built in the 19th and early 20th centuries along Sydney's rugged shoreline as protection for wild swimmers from the powerful surf. And, well, sharks. September 11 2010
Swimming pools and cancer
Wild swimmers have long known that the water quality at man-made pools is suspect. Read this article and you will wash well before and after your swim. September 11 2010
'Sunny' brings sunshine to restored baths
'A beautiful stained glass window dedicated to the memory of the first British 'wild swimming' woman to swim the English Channel, has been unveiled at Victoria Baths' Manchester. September 11 2020
The end of free swimming sees young and old leave the water
More swimmers will perhaps look again at wild swimming, as in some cases as many as half of those that used to benefit from free sessions have stopped swimming. September 11 2010
Teacher comes to the rescue as life saver
School swimming was rescued by teacher Dawn Holt after County Hall pulled the plug refusing to employ swimming teachers from September. Thanks to her efforts, children will receive uninterrupted swimming instruction equipping them with self preservation skills. September 8 2010
Olympic gold medal winner Duncan Goodhew opens the first of a kind
He was among the guests of honour at the opening of the UK's first 25-metre temporary swimming pool. September 8 2010
Sundays Edinburgh Open-Water Wild Swimming Festival Twice as popular as expected September 7 2010
200 wild swimmers rescued
Advice for swimmers caught in a rip tide; do you and your children understand what to do?
* If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
* Don't fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
* If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
* If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help. September 6 2010
Wild Swimming in Berne's fast-flowing city river
A must see video: wild swimming in Switzerland (Thanks to R&LSA) September 5 2010
Algae outrage for wild swimmers at Lake Windemere
"Another major swimming event was able to go ahead in another part of the lake yesterday but the Great North Swim decision was criticised for damaging the local tourist trade." September 5 2010
Landlocked Leicestershire has more swimmers than any other part of England
"According to Statistics about 76,400 adults swim at least once a week in Leicestershire and Rutland - equal to 9.5% of the population. The figure is well above the national average of 7.7% and a big leap since 2006 when the figure was below the national average at around 60,000 regular swimmers." September 4 2010
UK's biggest outdoor wild swimming event postponed due to algae
More than 9,000 Wild Swimming entrants for the Great North Swim have been told by text to stand down from the event, which had been expected to attract at least 15,000 spectators to the Lake District. September 4 2010
Scottish Life Saver
"The Scottish Government has announced £800,000 will be invested in free swimming lessons for primary pupils. The money is aimed at ensuring all children have the opportunity to learn to swim before leaving primary school." Money well spent. September 3 2010
Anne Marie makes history wild swimming to Scotland
"Long-distance swimmer Anne Marie Ward (44), from Co Donegal, now joins an elite group of nine swimmers who completed the gruelling 35km swim between the north of Ireland and South Western Scotland." September 3 2010
How to swim
Read this excellent article promoting wild swimming in today's telegraph. September 1 2010
Mass wild swimming
"Next to me on the bench was a friendly Newlyn octogenarian, who told me about how 'when he was a lad' - ie before the advent of 'health and safety 'n' all that' - the race started with a dive off Newlyn harbour wall. Wetsuit? 'Naaaw.. wouldn't have known the meaning of the word'. We are a bit soft these days, aren't we? Not his 19-year-old granddaughter, though, who last weekend swam from the Brisons (rock a mile off Cape Cornwall, ie in the Atlantic Ocean) to shore. Hard. Core." August 31 2010
Kids & adults need to get into swim of things
In the U.K. children are discouraged from wild swimming in rivers and lakes. But a very different approach is used overseas. The tragic news of six teens drowning in Louisiana at the beginning of this month set off a national wave of concern regarding the number of people who die in the water as a result of not knowing how to swim. Rather than enforce swimming restrictions an effort is being made to teach all children how to swim. August 30 2101
Lewis Pugh goes wild swimming on Everest at 5000 feet
August 30 2010
Fond memories of old wild swimming holes
"Back then, there wasn't anything else for kids to do during the summer," Piwowarski said. "Most people didn't have much (money or resources) to begin with, so 'real' vacations were out of the question. So, they made their own fun," wild swimming. August 28 2010
Minority Swimming Gap
According to a survey by USA Swimming, nearly 60 percent of young African-Americans and 56 percent of Latino teens do not know how to swim. Experts say this is a result of many things, from lack of resources to racial divides. Gary Hamilton talks with Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones about what he's doing to battle this problem. August 27 2010
Wild Swimming changes British Culture - rekindling the desire to return to the wild?
Roger Deakin called swimming a "subversive activity". His bestselling book "Waterlog" published 11 years ago, inspired what has become known as the "wild-swimming movement"-and, some argue, rekindled Britain's love affair with nature and hearty outdoor pursuits. August 27 2010
Wild Swimming in the River Seven
75 swimmers of all ages took to the waters of the River Severn for the third open water wild swim. August 24 2010
Wild swimming for charity, 13 lakes in 13 days.
"It's been going really well," said Rebecca, who teaches diving and used to swim competitively. "It has been incredible fun. We have seen some amazing views from the middle of the lakes that you would never normally see. It has been really beautiful. August 24 2010
Free swimming lessons target Ontario Drownings
Last month, Ontario's acting chief coroner ordered a review of the 91 drowning deaths so far this year. In response free swimming lessons are being made available to both adults and children. Statistics show that most of those who drown are adults and that 66 per cent of drownings in Ontario happen within 15 metres of shore or shallow water. Learn to swim and stay safe. August 23 2010
Going wild for wild swimming
An article in today's Evening Telegraph tells us to enjoy the outdoors but highlights the potential dangers children may face. In the UK our attitudes and suspicions prevent us from fully embracing wild swimming culture. Child safety is best served through education rather than prohibition. 21 August 2010
Wild Swimming: The Newest Outdoor Sport?
"Wild swimming may seem unusual and exciting these days - but before chlorinated pools and swimming clubs, it was the only way to make a splash on a hot day! In fact, before the 1930s, wild swimming was considered the perfect outdoor activity for kids and parents alike" 20 August 2010
Compulsory swimming lessons save lives
This story from New Zealand highlights the need to teach all children to swim. "Matt Claridge says Maori make up a disproportionate number of drowning deaths, usually from diving, fishing and boating incidents." Maori drowning deaths may be at a 20 year low dropping from 13 to 7 of the 48 total, but still more could be done. Think of the lives that could be saved worldwide if all children were taught to swim and trained in survival. 20 August 2010
Loch wild swim called off after toxic algae found in water
Scotland's biggest wild swimming event has been postponed after toxic algae was found in the waters of Strathclyde Loch. 20 August 2010
George Brunstad prepares to celebrate his 76th birthday by wild swimming the length of lake Winnipesaukee
Already the oldest person to swim the English Channel, wild swimmer George Brunstad is scheduled to start swimming at 10 p.m. next Tuesday in Center Harbor and to complete his 22 mile journey some 18 hours later - on his 76th birthday - in Alton Bay. 19 August 2010
Prevent children drowning - teach them to swim and swim well
'Organizers will be able to count each season how many children - those who otherwise couldn't afford lessons - now know this life skill.' The knowledge and experience of wild swimming can save lives. 19 August 2010
Thank goodness their are still some diving boards
Grace Reid the youngest member of the Scotland team for next month's Commonwealth Games in Delhi, was inspired to take up diving after witnessing what she describes as "a huge, spinny dive off the ten-meter board." She loves diving because she says, it is "so close to flying." 19 August 2010
President Obama will not go wild swimming in the River Ganges, after all!
Washington, DC: US President Obama has no intention of wild swimming up the River Ganges in a show of solidarity with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, sources in the White House have stated.
16 August 2010
Wild Swimming books sell like hot cakes.
The BBC Four TV documentary 'Wild Swimming with Alice Roberts' aired last week, has led to record sales of wild swimming books. Roger Deakin's Waterlog sold 663 copies in just seven days. Wild Swimming by Daniel Start sold 406 nearly doubling sales for the previous week. Immediately after enjoying her first wild swim, Alice Roberts said that she experienced 'a delightful feeling of breaking the rules and doing something naughty.' Read HUNG OUT TO DRY Swimming and British Culture and discover why we British have such hang-ups about swimming in the great outdoors (wild swimming). 16 August 2010
Children in India train in a lake as wild swimmers and Olympic hopefuls
Karsanbhai Patel has been training children of his village to swim in a local lake. He saw an opportunity where others saw only a dirty lake. For 28 years, there have been no professional facilities, yet the children he trained have gone on to become national champions. more
14 August 2010
Wild swimming children. When you live on a houseboat your children swim like muskrats
15 August 2010
Ban on high-tech bodysuits hasn't affected swimmers as much as expected
15 August 2010
Grandmother, 70, saved from Pakistan floods by 'swimming cow'
11 August 2010
New Yorkers Enjoy Dumpster Dipping
8 August 2010
The Health Benefits of Swimming
9 August 2010
Historic Soho baths open to the public
2 August 2010
London officials ban inflatable swimming pools
1 August 2010
Woman in 'record' Channel swim
28 July 2010
The Bikini: best summer seller for Marks & Spencer
26 July 2010
Be safe wild swimming this summer
24 July 2010
Why should you shower before swimming in a pool?
23 July 2010
Swimming Shorts banned in Germany
...in favor of swimming trunks (due to the heat wave). Read the full story. 16 July 2010
Wild swimming and ROSPA
'Peter Cornall, head of leisure safety at the safety charity, said: "RoSPA believes that life should be as safe as necessary, not as safe as possible, and in line with that we want people to be out and about enjoying this weekend's good weather - which includes enjoying the water.
"River and lake swimming as part of a properly-organised activity is very different to the more ad-hoc occasions when people take to the water to cool off, perhaps on the spur of the moment.' Read the full article. 10 July 2010
Wild Swimming History: Cambridge
Wild Swimming History: Leicester