RIVER SWIMMING
In this section we’ll cover both river and estuary swim safety. We’ll briefly go over a number of elements of safe swimming practise and planning on this page, with click through options for more detailed information.
A number of the factors covered in the sea swimming section will apply to rivers, particularly larger rivers that are more open to the elements and conditions. There are some differences and consideration specific to river swimming, we’ll go over both.
Covered in this section :
Water craft and visibility in the water
River currents, river flow, tides, water depth & obstacles
Pollution and water quality
Swim access and land ownership
Water Temperature
Wildlife
WATER CRAFT :
A fairly big factor to consider when swimming in rivers is water craft/traffic. In the UK there are minimal to no qualifications required for ‘captains’/pilots to sail a sailing boat, drive a jet ski and many other water craft. This in itself really demonstrates how careful you have to be, especially in busier areas with plentiful moorings. MORE INFO - CLICK HERE
VISIBILITY :
We’d advise that you always wear a tow float when swimming in a river, a bright colourful swim cap is advisable, as is a whistle. Regular sighting is definitely a good idea, as is having some awareness of what’s around you… stopping on a regular basis, taking a swimming buddy or small group, having a ‘spotter’ or guide (when possible), are all great ideas. Avoiding peak hours in the busier season would also be a good plan.
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SWIM ROUTE / AREA :
A number of estuaries and rivers have designated swimming areas, so it’s always a good start to do your research, find these areas and plan your swimming activity. It’s fairly obvious but the middle of the river is generally where you’ll see the strongest flow and boat traffic, so where possible you’d avoid this channel, along with harbour mouths, boat yards etc. During the summer months, you tend to get the odd festival taking place, which could mean increased boat traffic and people, again research, research, research…
In certain areas, regular swimmers will swim regular routes and have a system in place, as to which side of the river they swim up and down. It’d be a good idea to ask around and do your research, so that you can follow this system…as it’s likely that water craft will also be familiar with the local swimmers routine.
WILDLIFE :
Most animals make it fairly clear when they’re ‘unhappy’! Well worth giving any wildlife a wide-birth…particularly if they have young with them. Swans are the most obvious example.
POLLUTION :
When you’re talking about pollution and run-off, rivers tend to suffer more than the sea and larger estuaries. Definitely worth checking on the quality of water you’re swimming in and avoiding periods after heavy rain. FIND OUT MORE - CLICK HERE
WATER TEMPERATURE :
There’s not a huge deal to talk about here other than considering the following. Water temp tends to drop-off the closer you get to the source, rivers can start in hilly, mountainous areas and this influences the water temperature. There may also be limited areas to exit the water on an A-to-B swim, so ensure you’re happy with the water temperature. The temperature can also fluctuate a fair bit. If you had a mudflat in the sun all day and the tide comes in, it can substantially increase the water temp, so don’t get carried away and decide to swim miles…based on the water temperature at various parts of the river.
SWIM ACCESS & OWNERSHIP :
Fairly simply (or not!), no one owns the waterways. They can own the access to the water and land around it but not the water itself. If you can access the water without moving across private property, then do so. The issue may be…if you have any issues and need to exit the water onto private land… When it comes to estuaries (and beaches), the mean high tide mark/line and below is owned by the crown and not private land owners, unless gifted or purchased by the private land owner. So while you may not be able to access various beaches from the land, you can access them from the water.
