How to stay safe swimming outdoors - and still have fun
Summary
Outdoor swimming can be enjoyable but also risky. In the UK, many people die every year from accidents in open water, so experts offer safety tips like choosing lifeguarded beaches, staying aware of rip currents, and never swimming alone.Key Facts
- In 2025, 202 people died from accidental water incidents in the UK.
- At least 18 people died during a recent hot spell while swimming outdoors, many were teenagers.
- Experts recommend swimming where lifeguards are present, such as certain beaches and designated swimming areas.
- Rip currents can pull swimmers away from shore; the advice is to swim sideways to escape the current.
- Open water swimming is harder than pool swimming due to cold, fast water and hidden underwater dangers.
- Avoid swimming alone and keep someone on shore who can call emergency services if needed.
- Inflatables are unsafe in the sea as wind can blow them out to dangerous areas.
- Enter cold water slowly to reduce the risk of cold water shock, since many UK waters stay cold all year.
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