Open Water Swimming

If you’re someone who likes to think outside the box when it comes to your health, exploring more natural, low‑cost and uplifting ways to feel better can be a reliable option- and open water swimming delivers exactly that. It offers powerful health and wellness benefits and is rapidly becoming one of the UK’s most popular choices.

Open water swimming has recently become a popular trend in the UK, with an estimated 7.5 million adults now venturing into open water and regularly swimming in lakes, rivers or seas. What was once a niche hobby has become a routine event, now attracting everyone from experienced athletes to complete beginners. Open water swimming simply means ‘swimming in natural outdoor waters’- instead of a swimming pool. Unlike a pool, there are no lanes, no walls and no shallow or solid bottom beneath your feet. Just open, natural water and the freedom to move at your own pace. This is part of what makes it so appealing: every swim feels different, shaped by the weather, water, and landscape around you.

The rise in open water swimming isn’t just a trend- it’s driven by real, meaningful benefits that people feel almost immediately. Cold water immersion can trigger a rush of endorphins, boost mood, and help calm the mind. Many swimmers say it helps them manage anxiety, feel more grounded, and start their day with clarity.

Compared to gym memberships or structured fitness classes, open water swimming is incredibly affordable. Many locations are free and you don’t need expensive equipment to get started. It’s also a great form of exercise and regular swimmers say it boosts their fitness, strength,  circulation, energy levels and immune system, giving them a low impact, full body workout. Many also find that it reduces inflammation and muscle tension, helping their bodies recover from trauma, injury, and pain.

Being outdoors, especially near water has proven wellbeing benefits.  Open water swimming combines movement, fresh air, and natural surroundings in a way few activities can match. Most people who engage in outdoor swimming report feeling less stressed and noticeably happier after a swim. Nearly all say they swim for physical fitness, to build resilience or for social or spiritual reasons. They often describe feeling more connected with nature and a large number also swim for the sense of adventure it brings.

As participation has grown, so has the focus on safety. Natural water is very unpredictable, so beginners are advised to always swim with others or choose a recognised or supervised swimming spot. Swimming outside requires common sense and with the right precautions, open water swimming is safe, accessible and suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

The Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS) suggest

“There is no such thing as a safe swim, only safe swimmers; no water is safe if you can’t swim. With the right knowledge and skill level, people can swim safely”

Staffordshire has some amazing supervised open water swimming sites that are safer for you to try, especially if you are new to the experience. Field Head Farm, Pillaton Hall Farm, Whitmore Lakes and Chasewater Lake are a few to try that are all affiliated with the National Open Water Coaching Association (NOWCA).

Field Head Farm, near Uttoxeter, is a family‑run venue offering open‑water swimming alongside their glamping, rural meetings space, and activity‑based workshops. Their natural spring‑fed lake is open to members  all year round, providing a peaceful and authentic outdoor swimming experience. The site is fully supervised by qualified open‑water lifeguards and a dedicated water‑safety team, making it suitable for both novice and experienced swimmers. Swimmers with accessibility needs are also welcomed, but individuals are encouraged to get in touch directly to discuss their specific requirements. After a cold swim, guests can enjoy heated changing rooms, toilet facilities, and a cosy communal space with a log burner and hot drinks. For further information, please contact Anna@fieldheadfarmstaffordshire.co.uk or call 07813 606576.

Pillaton Hall Farm in Penkridge offers regular supervised sessions in a safe and welcoming environment. The lake supports open‑water swimming, as well as paddleboarding, kayaking, and a range of other water activities. A dedicated lifeguard and water‑safety team are always on duty, and an assistance boat is available for additional support where needed. Introductory courses are also available for beginners looking to build confidence in open and cold- water swimming and include equipment hire and guidance from an experienced instructor. For further details, please email swim@pillatonhallfarm.co.uk or contact the office on 01785 715177.

Whitmore Lakes, near Newcastle‑under‑Lyme, is a private wild water swimming site offering secluded lakes for open‑water swimming, water sports, and competitive training. Swan Lake, known for its clear spring‑fed water, provides a tranquil, natural setting for visitors all year round. Sessions are managed by expert staff and coaching / swimming courses are also available for all abilities, via Kuotos Swim. Whether you’re being introduced to cold‑water swimming, seeking customised 1‑to‑1 coaching, or looking for support to overcome water‑related fears, these sessions are designed to help individuals become capable, confident swimmers. The venue has entry slopes with handrails, picnic benches for changing and a “Cake Shack” for post swim refreshments, plus wood‑fired sauna to enjoy after your swim. Pre‑booking is essential and further information can be found by visiting info@whitmorelakes.co.uk

Chasewater Lake, based at Chasewater Country Park, Burntwood is a haven for open water swimmers of all abilities wanting to connect with nature. It provides introductory coaching sessions for beginners with staff helping to improve swimming confidence. Guest swimmers are also welcome. Please check specific accessibility support before you attend or contact Ant for more information on 07974257086 or email chaseows@gmail.com.

Three Shires Head, in the Peak District, is an ideal freshwater swimming spot for anyone wanting to try open‑water swimming without feeling out of their depth. The area is known for its crystal‑clear, shallow pools-around 1 metre deep-tucked beneath mesmerising waterfalls that create a peaceful and scenic place to take a dip.

Blakemere Pond-often called Mermaids Lake, in the Staffordshire Moorlands, is a striking and slightly eerie spot for wild water swimmers. Local legend tells of a ghostly mermaid who fell in love with a sailor who now haunts the waters. Despite  the tale, the lake remains a popular destination for adventurous open‑water swimmers. Set in an isolated pocket of the moors, it offers a moodier and more rugged experience, with cold, dark, and often muddy water that adds to its mysterious charm.

Dosthill Quarry, near Tamworth, is a renowned diving and open‑water swimming site with depths reaching up to 26 metres. Now offering full‑moon swims and magical winter night swims, it’s a major hub for scuba divers and open water enthusiasts, due to its spring‑fed freshwater crystal- clear lake. As one of the oldest inland dive sites in the country, it features a 400‑metre swimming circuit that remains open all year round and is suitable for all ages. The quarry is home to a diverse range of wildlife and divers can explore unique underwater attractions. Facilities are basic but practical, with changing containers and a café serving hot food and drinks after your swim. The site is staffed by a friendly welcoming team who are always on hand to help and entry is by booking only. All swimmers must complete a float test before they are accepted. For bookings or information please contact pauline@divein.co.uk or ring 01733 351288 or 07421908757.

Safe open‑water swimming requires thorough preparation, the right equipment, and a clear understanding of the conditions you’re entering. The RNLI recommend the following essential safety practices are followed before entering the water.

·      Always check weather and water conditions before going out for a swim:

·      Avoid strong currents, heavy winds or poor weather.

·      Always swim with a buddy or join an organised or supervised group.

·      Always acclimatise yourself slowly: Enter the water gradually and splash cold water on your neck and face to reduce the risk of cold‑water shock.

·      Always increase your visibility: Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and use a tow float for safety.

·      Always wear a wetsuit to help maintain warmth and buoyancy

·      Know your limits: Swim parallel to the shore rather than heading into deeper water and get out of if you feel too cold or tired.

·      Always plan your exit: Identify safe entry and exit points before getting in

·      Always tell someone on land where you are going and when you expect to return

·      After leaving the water, warm up slowly. Change into dry clothes immediately-even if you feel warm-and have a hot drink and a sugary snack to help your body recover.

In an emergency:

·      Float to live: If you get into difficulty, roll onto your back, spread your arms and legs, and float until you can control your breathing.

·      Signal for help: Use a whistle attached to your tow float and raise one arm to attract attention.

Some open‑water swimmers carry a small, compact diving knife or Z‑knife to free themselves if their wetsuit or tow line become snagged on fishing lines, nets, or weeds. This tool should only be used for emergency entanglement and must be stored where it can be reached quickly with either hand, such as on your forearm, on a belt, or attached to your tow float. Carrying a knife in public is against the law, so it must only be taken to and from the water when you have a legitimate reason for its use.

If you’re a confident pool swimmer and want to try outdoor swimming grab your wetsuit, join a group and get involved.