Call to make cold water swimming safer for women

Cold water swimming is growing in popularity among women, but more support is needed to make many wild swimming spots in the UK safer and more accessible, a new study led by UCL researchers has found.

The research, published in Women Healthinvestigated the habits of women who enjoy cold water swimming and was carried out in collaboration with researchers from the University of Portsmouth, the University of Sussex, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Plymouth and Bournemouth University.

The team surveyed 1,114 women in the UK aged 16 to 80 in 2022 and found that most women who wild swam did so mostly in the sea (64.4%) and the majority (89%) swam all year round.

The women surveyed stated that they swam for longer periods in the summer, with the most common duration being 30-60 minutes (48.2%). However, in the winter, the majority of swims lasted between 5-15 minutes (53.8%).

Earlier this year, the same study revealed that menopausal women who regularly swim in cold water report significant improvements in their physical and mental symptoms. It also appeared to improve menstrual symptoms.

While the sport offers many benefits, it also carries risks that can be magnified by the swimming environment.

Lead author, Professor Joyce Harper (UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health) said: “One of the health risks associated with cold water swimming is the increased risk of gastroenteritis and other infections from pollution in UK rivers and seas. This could be avoided with better monitoring of sites.”

Co-author Dr Mark Harper (University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust) added: “The barriers to cold water swimming can be overcome and our early research in non-pregnant populations suggests the activity has a significant positive effect on mental health.”

Designated bathing waters in the UK are usually monitored during the summer months (May-September). However, many do not meet the prescribed standards and researchers believe this could be worse for non-designated sites.

That’s why the researchers are calling on the UK government, water companies, the Environment Agency and others around the world to improve the safety and accessibility of open water for people who enjoy swimming outdoors.

Professor Harper said: “Our previous research has shown that women strongly believe that swimming in cold water is good for their health. Exercising in nature, with a community, is a combination that should be encouraged. However, it is currently not well supported.

“For example, in the UK, the government website on bathing water quality is only active from May to September. The winter months are not included, as this is when heavy rainfall and sewer flooding are most likely to occur.

“Globally, we need to ensure that cold water swimming is accessible and safe. It’s time to make this increasingly popular and beneficial sport safer and more supported for everyone.”

Co-author Professor Sasha Roseneil (University of Sussex) said: “In recent years, cold water swimming has become a passion for thousands of women across the UK, bringing with it numerous wellbeing benefits. While the free and unregulated nature of open water swimming is part of the appeal, it is time for government and regulators to take a serious look at the quality of our rivers, lakes and seas, to protect both today’s swimmers and the ecosystems of these precious natural resources for the future.”

The team are continuing their research into this topic and are involved in an upcoming study led by Professor Jill Shawe (University of Plymouth) into cold water swimming and pregnancy.