Wild swimming checklist
Open water is not a pool: the cold, the current and the exit all need checking before you get in, not while you are already in it.
17 items
Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.
The items
- Spot checked in advanceTides and currents for the sea, flow and recent rain for a river. A place that was calm last week isn't a promise.
- Swimming with someone else, never aloneCold water incapacitates faster than it feels like it will.
- Entry and exit point picked before getting inGetting out is harder than getting in, especially from a river bank.
- Told someone on land your route and when you'll be out
- Tow floatBright and visible to boats, and something to hold onto if a cramp or the cold catches up with you.
- Wetsuit, below about 15°CAbove that a costume is fine for a short swim.
- Neoprene gloves and socksHands and feet lose heat fastest and are the first thing to stop working properly.
- Swim hat, a bright colour
- Goggles
- EarplugsFor anyone prone to swimmer's ear after repeated open-water swims.
- Changing robe or a big towel for afterwards
- Warm, dry layers waiting at the exitLaid out before you get in the water, not searched for afterwards while you're shivering.
- Hot drink in a flaskWarming from the inside matters as much as the towel.
- Snack for afterwardsCold water burns through energy fast, and the shivering afterwards uses more.
- Dry bag for phone, keys and clothes
- Flip-flops or old trainersFor a riverbed or shoreline you can't see the bottom of.
- WhistleCarried by whoever is on land, to call you back in if the weather turns.
Makes your own editable copy. No account needed.
Questions people ask
- Is it safe to swim in open water alone?
- No — swim with someone else, or somewhere with people around who would notice if something went wrong. Cold water incapacitates faster than it feels like it will.
- What is cold water shock?
- The gasp and rapid breathing that hits in the first minute in cold water, even for a strong swimmer. Wade in slowly and get your breathing under control before swimming out.
- Do I need a wetsuit?
- Below about 15°C, most people do. Above that it comes down to how long you're planning to stay in — a costume is fine for a short dip in summer.