If you’ve noticed that over recent years a greater number of friends are spending their time by the sea, or that coworkers are using their time off to seek out hidden lakes, then it might be because wild swimming is quickly becoming one of the most popular outdoor activities.

What’s more, wild swimming isn’t just popular during the summer months. It is perhaps understandable that individuals would want to take a dip during the hottest days but to do so during the winter still confuses many. One only needs to talk to cold water swimming groups, however, to quickly discover that not only are they gladly submerging themselves into cold water but there are good reasons for it.

So, for those curious as to why more people are taking up wild and cold water swimming each year, we discuss exactly why wild swimming is great for your well-being.

Physical Health

Swimming is a low-impact watersport. This means that, unlike running, which places a great deal of pressure upon joints and the body, it can be enjoyed easily, with blood pressure building more slowly and less demand being placed upon the body. Coupled with the fact that wild swimming is open to all individuals and groups, promising that they have good access to the sea, a nearby lake, or a suitable river, a great many are choosing to begin their fitness journey out in the open.

Cold water swimming has also demonstrated a number of other physical benefits, including the promotion of a healthier immune system, lowering blood pressure, and even reducing cholesterol. This immersion in cold water generally results in a sudden shock that stimulates cardiovascular activity and boosts endurance.

Mental Health

In addition to physical health, wild swimming also promotes positive mental health too, bringing a number of benefits to personal well-being. For many, these benefits come simply from being outdoors and in beautiful landscapes, such as by the shore or among woodlands, which is known as ecotherapy.

Alongside the wonder of landscapes, the act of wild swimming also releases endorphins, especially with cold water swimming, boosting an individual’s happiness. Swimming has also been shown to decrease stress and anxiety, with some studies also demonstrating that the activity better regulates and improves the quality of sleeping.

Social Activity

Wild swimming is also a great social activity to enjoy with others. Many first begin solely because of a personal connection they have with someone who swims. There are also a number of local groups scattered around the country who swim together, encouraging each other to not only keep up the activity but also to explore new locations too.

While this socialisation has a number of positive benefits, from improving mental health to helping individuals to meet new people, social wild swimming is also a significant safety benefit too and it is recommended that those who are swimming outdoors do so with others around so as to minimise any risk of danger from tides or currents.