6 Tips For Safe, Summer Swimming

There are few better things to do on a warm summer’s day than go for a refreshing dip. Whether you like to swim in rivers, lakes, pools or the sea, jumping in some water can be a fantastic way to cool down and relax.

However, while outdoor swimming is a great summer activity, it does come with some risks. To make sure you have fun and stay safe, it’s important you take a few basic precautions before entering the water.

To help ensure you have a summer to remember for all the right reasons, we’ve put together our six top tips to help you stay safe and healthy throughout the swimming season.

Benefits Of Swimming

Regular swimming offers a lot of health benefits. Good for both your physical and mental wellbeing, swimming can help you de-stress, get energised and boost your level of fitness.

There are a few different types of swimming to choose from. You’ll probably be familiar with recreational swimming and going up and down the lanes in your local pool or splashing around in a friend’s private pool can be a fantastic way to get your heart pumping and improve your stamina. You may also enjoy wild swimming. This includes any swimming that takes place in the great outdoors, from the beach to your local lake or river.

Coldwater swimming is also becoming increasingly popular. This type of swimming can be done in lakes and rivers or in controlled spaces like plunge pools. Some people believe that cold water swimming can benefit everything from your mood to your immune system.

Each type of swimming comes with its own risks. Knowing these risks can help you to enjoy a great experience in the water.

#1 Stay Hydrated

All types of swimming can make you more prone to dehydration. Exercise can cause you to sweat more than usual and swimming outside in the sun could also make you more likely to become dehydrated, especially if you’re in the sea or somewhere else with no shade. What’s more, when you’re in water for an extended amount of time, it can be all too easy to forget to drink regularly and keep your hydration levels up.

Becoming dehydrated when in the water can be dangerous. If you don’t drink enough water when swimming, you may find you feel dizzy or tired, have a headache or begin to feel confused. This could make it harder to swim and may affect your decision-making - something which could have dangerous consequences if you make a really poor choice that affects your health and wellbeing, or that of people around you.

Understanding key hydration health benefits, and drinking water on a regular basis, is the best way to avoid dehydration when swimming this summer.

#2 Protect Your Skin

Suncare is very important when swimming outside. Though your body may feel cooler when you’re swimming, the sun’s rays can still penetrate water and damage your skin. The best way to protect yourself from sunburn and long-term skin damage is to use sun cream with a high SPF (sun protection factor) whenever you’re outside.

Water can make sun cream less effective. So, even if the cream you choose is water-resistant, make sure you reapply it regularly, especially after towel-drying. Using protective clothing, like a rash vest, can also help keep your skin safe from the sun.

Some types of sun cream can contain ingredients that are harmful to marine life and coral reefs. If you’re swimming in the sea or in fresh water, make sure you choose reef-safe sun cream to minimise its environmental impact.

#3 Swim Sober

Alcohol and swimming don’t mix. Drinking alcohol can affect your judgement, coordination and reaction times, making it harder to get yourself out of trouble if you run into difficulty in the water.

Avoid drinking alcohol when in or around water. Staying sober can help you to stay safe and make it easier for you to keep an eye on your friends and family while they’re having fun in the sun too.

#4 Don’t Swim Alone

Even if you’re a strong swimmer, it’s never a good idea to swim alone, especially in open water. Emergencies, such as cramps, strong currents or sudden illness, can happen fast, putting you at serious risk.

Where possible, always swim somewhere that has a lifeguard. If there aren’t any lifeguards around, swim close to friends and try to ensure someone is always on dry land so they can raise the alarm if something goes wrong.

#5 Cold Water Swimming? Take Extra Care

Cold water swimming can be great for your mental and physical wellbeing. Especially tempting when the air temperatures rise, taking a plunge in an icy pool or chilly river can release endorphins, improve your circulation and help you feel less anxious.

However, cold water swimming can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Jumping into a freezing pool could cause cold water shock, cramps, hypothermia and if you’ve got asthma, trouble breathing.

The best way to reduce the risks of cold water swimming is to prioritise safety. Enter the water slowly, listen to your body, keep exposure times to a minimum and, if the water temperature is very low, consider wearing a wetsuit.

#6 Be Aware Of Recreational Water Illnesses

Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are diseases that can be caught in or around contaminated swimming pools. The most common RWIs can cause diarrhoea, skin infections, ear infections, eye and respiratory irritations and verrucas.

You can avoid many of these infections by practicing good hygiene. Make sure you shower and wash your hands before and after getting in the pool. Avoid swimming if you’ve got any active illness or infection, and also make sure you steer clear of the pool when you have a verruca.

Some rivers, beaches and lakes can also contain unhealthy levels of algae and bacteria. Sticking to designated swimming areas will help to ensure the water you’re in is monitored for potentially dangerous contaminants.

Swimming can be a fantastic way to cool down, get fit and relax this summer. To find out more about any of the health conditions listed in this guide, or for more information on staying safe this summer, contact us and speak to a member of our expert clinical team.