NEWS | Experts Urge Brits To Remember These 6 Open Water Rules

June 21, 2023 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

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With another hot weekend ahead and more people tempted to cool off in the sea, lakes and rivers, the outdoor experts at Blacks have put together their advice on staying safe in the water.

Natalie Byrne at Blacks says “While it may be tempting to jump into a body of water in these temperatures, it is important that you understand your swimming abilities. Wild swimming can be and is very dangerous if you have not trained properly. Always pay attention to “No Swimming” signs and even if you have been swimming in the same spot for years, always be cautious, as open bodies of water can change significantly, even in a short period of time.”

Open Water Swimming Do’s

Be aware of your own swimming abilities

Unlike a pool, open water is not labelled as a “shallow end”, making it difficult to know if kids are getting into water that is over their heads. Always check the depth of the water, even if you visit the same spot regularly. Depths can vary and new underwater obstructions may have been brought downstream or tipped in. With no awareness of how deep the water is, you really should not be diving into it.

Whilst waterfalls are stunning to look at, they won’t be kind to you if you jump into the landing area. The undercurrents directly below a large waterfall or weir could hold you under and you may not be able to surface.

Wear goggles where possible

Water in the sea can lead to limited visibility. If the water is clean, and it’s safe to dip your head under, take extra precautions and wear goggles where possible, and only take a dip if there are signs around saying it is safe to do so. Do not ignore any ‘no swimming’ signs. They are there for a reason.

Keep your head above the water if unsure about the cleanliness

Snails, rats and algae can breed and release parasites into open water, which can lead to bacterial infections like Leptospirosis and ‘Swimmer’s itch’. Be careful not to swallow the water, keep your head above the water, and cover up any open wound with a waterproof plaster.

If you get sick after swimming in a river or develop flu or jaundice-like symptoms three to fourteen days after, ask your doctor for a Leptospirosis test. It is simply treated with antibiotics but if left it can develop into the more serious Weil’s disease, which has been known to kill.

Take precautions if swimming alone

Wear a life jacket if you’re not a strong swimmer and you’ll be alone, or make sure you’re using a tow float for visibility in the water and bouyancy should you get into trouble.

If you get a leg cramp, shout for help, lie on your back and paddle back to shore with your arms before the pain becomes overwhelming.

Take note of the water temperature

Open water is usually significantly colder than water in a typical indoor swimming pool, which can affect swimming ability.

According to Avon Fire and Rescue Service, cold water removes heat from the body 32 times faster than cold air causing cold shock – gasping, cramps, inhalation of water, heart attack, stroke and rapid drowning. The shock felt from hitting cold water can result in shock, which can lead to panic, hyperventilating, and even drowning.

Don’t be fooled by the sweltering weather – dress for the water temperature, rather than the air temperature.

Open Water Dont’s

Avoid kicking or thrashing if you encounter weeds or underwater obstructions

For swimming in rivers that are not signposted as safe to swim in, but also in other types of open water, you need to be aware of the spaghetti-like weeds lurking beneath your feet.

They could snake around your ankles or up your leg and pull you under, causing swimmers to panic. If you do encounter some, slow your swim speed right down, don’t kick or thrash, and either float on through using your arms to paddle, or turn around slowly.

Do not run near or around a lake or river

One of the most common dangers of swimming in a lake and outdoor swimming are the slippery rocks which make it too easy to lose your footing.

Never run because you do not want to risk hitting your head. Go barefoot to get a better grip or wear plimsolls with a rubber sole. A head injury while in or near water could be fatal if you pass out in the water.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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