A Guide To Wild Swimming | Open Water Swimming For Beginners

Wild swimming is growing in popularity, it’s free, it’s relaxing and can be thoroughly invigorating. However, if you’ve not dipped your toe in before it might sound a little daunting so in this video we get some advice from an expert in the field, Professor Greg Whyte.

Professor Greg Whyte is an ambassador for the Royal Life Saving Society and a strong advocate for open water swimming. Heather chats to him about:
- Where is safe to wild swim
- What to do before getting in the open water
- How to stay safe and be seen whilst wild swimming
- What you should do after finishing your swim

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Music: Epidemic Sound
Tomorrow (instrumental Version) - Jimmy Wahlsteen
Summer Is Here - Justnormal
Open All Night - Christian Nanzell
One Time Again - Justnormal
Is All Love - Axel Ljung
Float - [ocean jams]
Daffodils - Guustavv
Always Raining - Christian Nanzell

Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images

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[gtn]

Where is your favourite place to go wild swimming? Let us know in the comments below 👇

[stefankleynhans]

I stay in the Northern Territory in Australia.. Our main swimming rivers are only "safe" for swimming during the dry season. After every wet season, when the water levels start to drop, they set traps to catch the saltwater crocs. But you still have to brave the calmer and less aggressive freshwater crocs. Always a fun thought that you are sharing the water with them.

[TheTrickshot]

I was inspired by this video, so this morning I went to my local river here in Manchester.
I found the water to be warmer next to the pipes, not sure what comes out of them but it gives a nice rainbow effect on the surface. I wear my shoes to protect my feet from all the broken glass and try to find an area which has less syringes on the ground for entering and exiting the water. Due to the colour of the water it can be difficult to see some of the obstacles beneath like shopping trolleys and stolen motorbikes but can be fun trying to avoid all the floating debris like empty beer cans, plastic bags and condoms. It's nice to get out and be amongst nature but I remain cautious around the big rats and use my lighter to burn off the leaches that attach to my body. I'm not feeling so good at the moment but as soon as I do, I'm going back for more. Great video, thanks

[joncamera]

"After watching that, you might be inspired to go wild swimming" Them abs are a great source of inspiration indeed 😍

[mitchadshead]

Heather forgot to say Greg is also an Olympian!

[Philip]

I also never considered the distinction between open water and wild swimming. The only time I swam OW with supervision was in competitions. Otherwise, it was always in whatever lake or river I was at. Typically, I also swim alone since not many of my friends are interested in swimming in cold rivers and lakes!

[Decalto]

heather wearing sunglasses so she could secretly stare at those 10/10 abs :))))

[tods.]

This is excellent material. Thank you!

[thesaint]

9:36

GTN: Would you like to know how to get information?
Me: Yes
GTN: Use the internet
Me:

[kcdiazWTV]

Not being able to see the bottom creeps me out a little because I'm used to staring at a black line. Oh and stepping on mossy rocks and getting tangled in weeds. XD

[haplesstoad]

Love this! I swim wild in the US; Seattle area. I appreciate your "leave no trace" message at the end, too.

[JSPatel-ljue]

Perfect timing for this great video guys! JSP

[shaarang]

Throughout the video, I couldnt help but admire how lean and ripped the professor is. This guy is the perfect specimen. (Scientist, Olympian, European and World Championship podium places, OWS advocate, amazing physique)

[euterotropo]

Awesome video GTN! You should do a more comprehensive series on wild swimming. Lots of triathletes train in the lakes and rivers here in Northwest.

[Goggsy]

He should have mentioned the Wim Hof Method to counter/prevent the cold effects at the beginning. Good advice all round from that muscular dude!

[ODYSSEYOpenWater]

Never go out alone, and if possible swim with the help of a kayaker or paddleboarder. All of our swims include safety staff, which is rarely needed, but important to have on hand. Good beginner video here and we would certainly recommend open water swimming to anyone who wants to try it (just be safe and pace yourself).

[eduardomorelli]

Awesome tips and video!!! Greetings from Brazil!!

[christine]

Oooh was super interested in wild swimming when I saw a clip of Liz Ke's Wild Swim documentary. 😮😮 thinking of getting me a buoy and see where it takes me lol

[carus]

Great play. Great commentary. EBR is defo OP in a talented player’s hands.

[spinthma]

Very informative! Greetings from germany