How safe is "wild swimming"? The Environment Agency results here.

Wild swimming is, essentially, swimming in the wild (yes, I know, it seem obvious!!). This means anytime you paddle in a river, bathe in the lake, or swim in an outdoor area, you are partaking. I suppose a broader term would be "outdoor swimming", and this covers lidos and pools.

It is not a new phenomenon. The Romans enjoyed it very much, and there are many stories from Ancient Greece. But it does seem to be getting more and more popular, and this is possibly down to the UK's recent Olympics success at Triathalon.  It is also possible that as people have less money to spend in their pockets they turn away from gym membership and indoor pools, that can be expensive.

It does not just have to be about sport and exercise. Wild swimming is as much about reconnecting with nature and experiencing the world from a unique and unusual perspective.

But recent shock findings from the Environment Agency suggest that NO river in England is safe to swim in because they are too polluted. In fact they claim that toxins in the country's waterways are at the highest levels since modern testing began.  Astonishingly though, prosecutions against water companies have dropped with the firms often suggesting their own penalties.

This also goes against data on the website of "wildswimming" where they state: "what could be more exciting than plunging into a hidden waterfall? Our rivers, lakes and waterfalls, coves, daves and beaches, are cleaner, safer and more accessible than at any time in living memory, and the health benefits of a wild swim or natural dip are also well known."

Already this summer, Southern Water were fined a record £127 million for allowing raw sewage into rivers.  But where will they get that? From their customers of course. So, in fact, we are paying that!!!

HMHB says:
In the UK we have swam outdoors for centuries and will continue to do so.
But you can take precautions, and we need to be aware of dangers.
We need to make sure the water is deep enough - how many times do you read of people hurting themselves, or even dying, from diving or jumping into shallow water??
There is also a risk concerned with temperature. There were a couple of recent deaths recorded in the media of people jumping into cold water on very hot days, and the body gets such a shock it stops the heart.
Also, try and ascertain if there are underwater obstacles, even greenery. You do not want to get caught up.
We would also mention sewage - even David Walliams who swam the Thames for charity became ill due to coming into contact.
Finally, not all outdoor areas are accessible to the general public. The lake or pond could be on private land, and you must make sure you have permission.
People do not want to be killjoys, but your health is important. Do not risk illness, or even possible death, just for a lark!!!  Be aware, be careful.

what could be more exciting than plunging into a hidden waterfall? Our rivers, lakes and waterfalls, coves, caves and beaches, are cleaner, safer and more accessible than at any time in living memory and the health benefits of a wild swim or natural dip are also now well known