Swimming in natural water

Open water swimming should always be a robustly planned activity with a fresh look at the risk assessment before each occasion. There are a good number of factors to consider and amongst them is the variable nature of the conditions that the UK climate is capable of presenting. Changeable conditions require experienced persons to lead these activities so that they can confirm the supervision right up to and even whilst the activity is taking place. There is a core risk assessment on the documents page that leaders can add their own specific arrangements to.

This activity can be in either fresh or salt water and typically occurs locally from beaches and in rivers where there are pools with deep enough water. It is unusual to see the activity in rivers where the question of water quality is an issue such as the tidal sections of the Rivers Tamar and Plym. However this guidance may also be appropriate for groups who are undertaking field work in or close to water of this type.

It is very important that the staff who wish to provide swimming in these environments have appropriate enough experience to be able to plan appropriately.

They should be familiar with the area, the group, the impact of weather and close supervision. Supervising staff should be aware of the demands the activity can place on them in respect of rescue and casualty evacuation.

The area selected should be within those that can provide a reliable mobile phone contact with the network.

It will always be worth considering whether a lower risk activity in shallow water will provider the same benefits. This reduces the need for trained and qualified life savers and water in this category is less than knee deep on the shortest member of the party. Supervisors can walk in and provide assistance if required. Great care is necessary when there is a strong flow even with this shallow depth.