Top Tips for Wild Swimming in the Summer

Top Tips for Wild Swimming in the Summer

Introduction

Summer is the perfect time to dive into your favourite wild swimming spots - whether you’re outdoor swimming in a lake, open water swimming along the coast, or enjoying sea swimming adventures. But with warmer weather come new challenges, from weever fish stings to overheating and increased boat traffic.

Here are our top summer swimming safety tips to help you stay confident, prepared, and safe in the water all season long.

1. Watch out for weever fish on beaches

Weever fish are common on sandy beaches in summer. These small fish bury themselves just under the sand in shallow water at low tide. They have a dorsal fin which is venemous and if stepped on can produce a lot of pain! 

How to avoid them:

  • Shuffle your feet as you enter the water so you disturb the sand.

  • Wear swim shoes with a rubber sole for protection like the Rock Hoppers


What to do if you get stung:

  • Visit the RNLI lifeguard hut if there is one

  • Immerse the sting in the hottest water you can tolerate (around 40°C) for 30-90 minutes to neutralise the venom.

  • Remove any spines.

 

2. Jellyfish season in the sea

Photo by Ryoji Hayasaka on Unsplash

Jellyfish can bloom in warm weather, especially in the summer time. In the UK we get a variety of jellyfish including: Compass, mauve stinger, moon, barrell, blue, crystal, lions mane as well as the Portuguese Man-O-War which isn't a jellyfish but a siphonophore.

Keep a look out for any jellyfish as you enter the water or if any washed up on the beach.

Having a good pair of goggles will help you to be able to spot them under the water.

If you’re stung:

  • Rinse with seawater, not fresh.

  • Remove any tentacles with tweezers (not bare hands).

  • Soak in warm water to help pain.

 

3. Be mindful of cold water shock

Even in summer, outdoor swimming can trigger cold water shock, especially if you plunge straight in.

Cold water shock is a sudden, involuntary physiological response to immersion in cold water that can affect anyone, regardless of swimming ability. Symptoms include an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and potential loss of swimming ability, which can lead to drowning. 

Top tips:

  • Wade in gradually to let your body adjust.

  • Exhale as you enter the water to control your breathing.

  • Wear swimwear that helps you stay warm for longer a long sleeve swimsuit is great - check out our long sleeve swimwear options.

 

4. Don’t overheat!

Large swimmer wearing black long-sleeve costume in the sea in Cornwall at a secret swim spot.

It might sound strange, but you can overheat in the water if you’re swimming in warm weather for long periods. You will still sweat and when in the water you will notice it less.

Top tips:

  • Hydrate before, during and after your swim.

  • Take water with you: the Ultimate Tow Float has a mesh pocket to carry a small water bottle so you can sip while you swim.

  • Consider having some electrolytes to help replenish lots salts.

5. Stay visible — especially in busy summer waters

In summer, there’s more boat and watercraft traffic. A bright tow float keeps you visible to paddleboarders, boats, jet skis and so you can be spotted from shore.

  • Our Ultimate Tow Float includes a free waterproof phone pouch so you can take your phone with you for longer swims in case of an emergency

 

6. Multiple dips a day? Pack smart

Long summer days mean you might want to dip more than once, so be sure to pack multiple swimsuits and a moonbag to carry your kit home after

 

7. Keep your Valuables Safe Whilst Swimming

In the summertime your fave swim spots will be a lot busier than usual, and so it's a good idea to try and keep your valuables with you whilst swimming.

We highly recommend using a waterproof Puffin Waist Pouch to put your valuables in and then putting it inside a tow float for extra peace of mind.

 

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