{"id":18466,"date":"2025-10-24T13:31:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T13:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/\/"},"modified":"2025-10-28T10:21:11","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T10:21:11","slug":"water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Pollution Risk for Wild Swimmers in the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<header id=\"block_221b25aede806a2ad248532aeaab6908\" class=\"SingleHero skip-lazy default\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"SingleHero__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/wellbeing\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWellbeing\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/safety\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSafety\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/activities\/swimming\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSwimming\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/wild-swimming\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWild Swimming\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/outdoor-swimmer-magazine\/\" class=\"category\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOutdoor Swimmer Magazine\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"SingleHero__title\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWater Pollution Risk for Wild Swimmers in the UK\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center align-items-center SingleHero__author\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto avatar\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/470690756_540516075650821_8358972710732030447_n.jpg\" class=\"avatar wp-post-image\" alt=\"Rowan Clarke\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Rowan Clarke\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<p class=\"SingleHero__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPublished on \t\t\t\t\t\t<time datetime=\"2025-10-24T13:31:08+00:00\" itemprop=\"datePublished\">October 24, 2025<\/time>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"dot\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t6 min read\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"SingleHero__thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1376\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-wild-swimming.jpg\" class=\"attachment-hd size-hd wp-post-image\" alt=\"Natasha Sones diving into the water\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-wild-swimming.jpg 1376w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-wild-swimming-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-wild-swimming-1024x402.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-wild-swimming-768x301.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\n\n\n\t\t<article id=\"block_1bc6950f52b22a39b204633bde0a52b3\" class=\"Universal Universal--post c-small default pt-default pb-default mt-none mb-none    \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"InnerBlocks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lead\"><\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-everything-you-need-to-know-about-water-quality-if-you-are-swimming-outdoors\">Everything you need to know about water quality if you are swimming outdoors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Fancy a wild cold water dip in the sea, lake, loch, river or stream? We asked the experts at <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/\">Outdoor Swimmer Magazine<\/a> how clean our waterways are for swimming, and how to stay safe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we had pools, everyone swam outdoors. But, because pools are safer, warmer and easier to control, indoor swimming became the norm. Over the past few years, however, we\u2019ve seen a huge boost in the numbers of people discovering the joys and freedom of swimming in natural bodies of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/wild-swimming-safety-tips-os-champions-11.jpg\" alt=\"wild swimming safety tips OS Champions\" class=\"wp-image-9513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/wild-swimming-safety-tips-os-champions-11.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/wild-swimming-safety-tips-os-champions-11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/wild-swimming-safety-tips-os-champions-11-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/os-champions\/tom-and-essi-troughton\/\">OS Champion Essi Troughton<\/a>&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the consequences of this rapid growth in outdoor swimming is that it\u2019s kicked up a storm around water quality. Not only have outdoor swimmers demanded information about pollution, but they\u2019ve also put pressure on governments and water companies to clean up our environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is clearly great news, but it\u2019s starting to backfire. Outdoor Swimmer Magazine\u2019s most recent <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.aweb.page\/Trends2025Summary\">Trends in Outdoor Swimming report<\/a> showed that concerns about water quality were one of the biggest barriers to swimming outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-safe-is-it-to-swim-in-the-uk-s-lakes-lochs-seas-rivers-and-streams-and-what-can-we-do-to-mitigate-those-risks\">How safe is it to swim in the UK\u2019s lakes, lochs, seas, rivers and streams, and what can we do to mitigate those risks?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-the-state-of-our-waterways\"><strong>The state of our waterways<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-citizen-science-with-the-rt-1-e1761232753417-edited.jpg\" alt=\"A woman in a stream measuring water pollution with a net\" class=\"wp-image-18482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-citizen-science-with-the-rt-1-e1761232753417-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-citizen-science-with-the-rt-1-e1761232753417-edited-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-citizen-science-with-the-rt-1-e1761232753417-edited-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761229995659\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is natural water more polluted than ever before, or do we just have more knowledge?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The answer is a bit of both. It\u2019s true that we have more awareness of pollution, but data from Surfer\u2019s Against Sewage published in April 2025 shows that pollution in English waters has reached a <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/featured\/environment\/new-data-reveals-water-pollution-up-by-a-third\/\">10-year high<\/a>.<br\/>\u201cThe current public concern about sewage pollution in rivers is a good thing. The more pressure people put on politicians, the more likely it is they will act to tackle the problem,\u201d says Outdoor Swimmer\u2019s Founder Simon Griffiths in <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/featured\/is-pollution-in-rivers-getting-worse-and-what-can-you-do-about-it\/\">this article<\/a>. \u201cBut there is a downside too. In our most recent Attitudes to Outdoor Swimming Survey, swimmers listed pollution as the biggest barrier to future growth in outdoor swimming.\u201d<br\/>Pollution, especially from sewage, can put our health at risk. In 2024 alone, Surfers Against Sewage received 1,853 Sickness Reports through its <a href=\"https:\/\/datahq.sas.org.uk\/sewage-data-hq\/is-it-safe-to-swim\/\">Safer Seas &amp; Rivers Service<\/a> app \u2013 an average of five people getting sick per day after using the water.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761230017101\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Should I stop swimming outdoors?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Does this mean you should go back to the pool? The answer is an emphatic no.<br\/>\u201cThe Sewage Scandal does have a thin silver lining. It has resulted in better information,\u201d says Simon. \u201cI\u2019m more comfortable swimming in the Thames than I was five years ago \u2013 although I\u2019m also more selective about when I swim.\u201d<br\/>Simon is talking about the <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/featured\/environment\/does-the-sewage-scandal-have-a-silver-lining\/\">information<\/a> we can get from Surfers Against Sewage and <a href=\"https:\/\/theriverstrust.org\/sewage-map\">The Rivers Trust<\/a> that shows when and where water companies discharge sewage. He mentions the citizen scientists who collect and share water quality findings, and the swimming groups who have successfully campaigned for Bathing Water Status at their swim spots.<br\/>\u201cOutdoor swimming, even in the shadow of pollution concerns, remains a joyful way to connect with nature and ourselves,\u201d says Simon. \u201cPersonally, I think the benefits still far outweigh the risks, especially when we use the data. I encourage you to explore what data you can find about your regular swimming spots to swim smarter and with more peace of mind.\u201d<br\/><br\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" class=\"wp-image-18467\" style=\"max-width:100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-simon-swimming-in-the-thames.jpg\" alt=\"simon swimming in the thames\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-simon-swimming-in-the-thames.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-simon-swimming-in-the-thames-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-simon-swimming-in-the-thames-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><br\/>Outdoor Swimmer&#8217;s founder, Simon in the Thames<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761230041299\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How do I identify polluted water so I can swim safe<\/strong>ly<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">So, how do we stay safe from pollution?<br\/><br\/><strong>First of all<\/strong>, use the data. Download the <a href=\"https:\/\/datahq.sas.org.uk\/sewage-data-hq\/is-it-safe-to-swim\/\">Safer Seas &amp; Rivers<\/a> app or the <a href=\"https:\/\/theriverstrust.org\/sewage-map\">Rivers Trust Sewage Map<\/a> to see real-time data about sewage spills.<br\/><br\/><strong>Secondly<\/strong>, become familiar with how the weather affects water quality. For example, avoid swimming for 48 hours after heavy rain because this is when sewage spills, plus you get run off from fields and urban areas.<br\/><br\/><strong>Thirdly<\/strong>, learn to recognise visible signs of pollution (pollution isn\u2019t always visible) using <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/featured\/environment\/why-must-we-keep-on-swimming-in-rivers\/\">these warning signs<\/a> from Rebecca Duncan at The Rivers Trust:<br\/><br\/><strong>Murky\u00a0or foamy water:\u00a0<\/strong>Unusual discolouration, cloudiness, or surface scum can all indicate the presence of pollution.<br\/><strong>Unpleasant odours:<\/strong>\u00a0A strong sewage smell suggests a recent or ongoing wastewater discharge.<br\/><strong>Algal blooms:\u00a0<\/strong>These are easy to spot, look for large areas of green on the surface \u2013 sometimes looking a like a green paint spill.<br\/><strong>Visible litter:<\/strong>\u00a0Obvious signs of plastic waste or other rubbish often signal poor water quality.<br\/><strong>Recent heavy rainfall:\u00a0<\/strong>Storm overflows release sewage during and soon after heavy rainfall, additionally rain can wash pollutants from farmland and roads into rivers.<br\/><br\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" class=\"wp-image-16583\" style=\"max-width:100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/os-champs-natasha-sones-and-jo-moseley.jpg\" alt=\"OS Champs Natasha Sones and Jo Moseley\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/os-champs-natasha-sones-and-jo-moseley.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/os-champs-natasha-sones-and-jo-moseley-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/os-champs-natasha-sones-and-jo-moseley-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>OS Champions <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/natasha-sones\/\">Natasha Sones<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/jo-moseley\/\">Jo Moseley<\/a> are both keen outdoor swimmers<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1761230061697\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How do I practice good swimming hygiene<\/strong> to minimise sickness<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you\u2019re still concerned about stripping off and dunking in a body of water, you can follow good swimming hygiene practices to minimise the risk of getting sick.<br\/><br\/>\u201cWhen you do swim, if you\u2019re in any doubt about the water quality, keep your head above the water and shower as soon as you get home,\u201d says Rebecca. \u201cAs well as your warm layers and tow float for safety, you should also wear earplugs, cover any open wounds, wash your hands and rinse your mouth out post-swim as regular parts of your swim routine.\u201d<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-add-your-voice-to-the-fight-against-water-pollution\"><strong>Add your voice<\/strong> to the fight against water pollution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Swimmers are central to the fight against pollution. As more of us enjoy dipping outdoors, more of us can advocate for better water quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In September, <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/news\/elite-athletes-river-thames-sewage-crisis\/\">Outdoor Swimmer reported<\/a> on an incredible non-stop, three-day relay from the source of the River Thames, finishing at Westminster, to call for urgent Government action to end the UK\u2019s sewage crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But you don\u2019t have to swim the length of the Thames to add your voice. You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Join a campaign group for your local waterway<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Become a <a href=\"https:\/\/theriverstrust.org\/about-us\/news\/citizen-science-10-ways-you-can-get-involved-in-the-fight-for-cleaner-rivers\">citizen scientist<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn how to <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/news\/learn-how-to-test-water-quality-with-stas-new-online-course\/\">test water<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Join the <a href=\"https:\/\/theriverstrust.org\/take-action\/the-big-river-watch\">Big River Watch<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theriverstrust.org\/take-action\/volunteer-opportunities\">Volunteer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Report sewage spills to your local MP<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"769\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/getoutside39507958bf.blob.core.windows.net\/blobgetoutside39507958bf\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-citizen-science-with-the-rivers-trust-2-769x1024.jpg\" alt=\"citizen science with the rivers trust \" class=\"wp-image-18469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-citizen-science-with-the-rivers-trust-2-769x1024.jpg 769w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-citizen-science-with-the-rivers-trust-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-citizen-science-with-the-rivers-trust-2-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-citizen-science-with-the-rivers-trust-2-811x1080.jpg 811w, https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/water-pollution-citizen-science-with-the-rivers-trust-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 769px) 100vw, 769px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Citizen Science with the Rivers Trust<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPlease don\u2019t let the sewage scandal put you off swimming and miss out on all its benefits,\u201d says Simon Griffiths. \u201cWhile it\u2019s neither desirable nor acceptable, for now we do need to add sewage pollution to the list of risks to weigh up when choosing whether or not to swim. Trust your instincts and judgement to choose safer times and places to swim. Stay alert, keep campaigning for better water quality, and, most importantly, keep swimming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t\t<section id=\"block_e1be1cd57194260a03a4b38072a667a5\" class=\"Inner InnerButtons\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row justify-content-center justify-content-md-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"InnerButtons__button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/how-to-start-wild-swimming\/\" class=\"Button Button--orange \" target=\"_blank\" >\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__text\">\n\t\t\t\t\tHow To Start Wild Swimming\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"Button__arrow\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<g>\n<path d=\"M5 12H19M19 12L12 5M19 12L12 19\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" 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id=\"likeCountValue\">0<\/span> users<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<hr class=\"MetaShare__hr\" \/>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/470690756_540516075650821_8358972710732030447_n.jpg\" class=\"MetaShareAuthor__avatar wp-post-image\" alt=\"Rowan Clarke\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"MetaShareAuthor__name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Rowan Clarke\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"MetaShareAuthor__desc\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Rowan Clarke is the lead features writer for <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/\">Outdoor Swimmer magazine. <\/a><\/p>\n<p>You can follow Rowan&#8217;s adventures on Instagram <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/_finsandgoggles_\/\">@_finsandgoggles_<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Expert advice from Outdoor Swimmer Magazine on water pollution risk for wild swimmers and how to swim safely using real-time data and hygiene tips.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":18474,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[379,141],"activities":[41,43,16],"locations":[17],"class_list":["post-18466","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-outdoor-swimmer-magazine","tag-wild-swimming","activities-safety","activities-swimming","activities-wellbeing","locations-all-of-great-britain"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is 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natural water more polluted than ever before, or do we just have more knowledge?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The answer is a bit of both. It\u2019s true that we have more awareness of pollution, but data from Surfer\u2019s Against Sewage published in April 2025 shows that pollution in English waters has reached a <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoorswimmer.com\\\/featured\\\/environment\\\/new-data-reveals-water-pollution-up-by-a-third\\\/\\\">10-year high<\\\/a>.<br\\\/>\u201cThe current public concern about sewage pollution in rivers is a good thing. The more pressure people put on politicians, the more likely it is they will act to tackle the problem,\u201d says Outdoor Swimmer\u2019s Founder Simon Griffiths in <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoorswimmer.com\\\/featured\\\/is-pollution-in-rivers-getting-worse-and-what-can-you-do-about-it\\\/\\\">this article<\\\/a>. \u201cBut there is a downside too. In our most recent Attitudes to Outdoor Swimming Survey, swimmers listed pollution as the biggest barrier to future growth in outdoor swimming.\u201d<br\\\/>Pollution, especially from sewage, can put our health at risk. In 2024 alone, Surfers Against Sewage received 1,853 Sickness Reports through its <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/datahq.sas.org.uk\\\/sewage-data-hq\\\/is-it-safe-to-swim\\\/\\\">Safer Seas &amp; Rivers Service<\\\/a> app \u2013 an average of five people getting sick per day after using the water.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\\\/#faq-question-1761230017101\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\\\/#faq-question-1761230017101\",\"name\":\"Should I stop swimming outdoors?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Does this mean you should go back to the pool? The answer is an emphatic no.<br\\\/>\u201cThe Sewage Scandal does have a thin silver lining. It has resulted in better information,\u201d says Simon. \u201cI\u2019m more comfortable swimming in the Thames than I was five years ago \u2013 although I\u2019m also more selective about when I swim.\u201d<br\\\/>Simon is talking about the <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoorswimmer.com\\\/featured\\\/environment\\\/does-the-sewage-scandal-have-a-silver-lining\\\/\\\">information<\\\/a> we can get from Surfers Against Sewage and <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/theriverstrust.org\\\/sewage-map\\\">The Rivers Trust<\\\/a> that shows when and where water companies discharge sewage. He mentions the citizen scientists who collect and share water quality findings, and the swimming groups who have successfully campaigned for Bathing Water Status at their swim spots.<br\\\/>\u201cOutdoor swimming, even in the shadow of pollution concerns, remains a joyful way to connect with nature and ourselves,\u201d says Simon. \u201cPersonally, I think the benefits still far outweigh the risks, especially when we use the data. I encourage you to explore what data you can find about your regular swimming spots to swim smarter and with more peace of mind.\u201d<br\\\/><br\\\/><br\\\/>Outdoor Swimmer's founder, Simon in the Thames\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\\\/#faq-question-1761230041299\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\\\/#faq-question-1761230041299\",\"name\":\"How do I identify polluted water so I can swim safely\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"So, how do we stay safe from pollution?<br\\\/><br\\\/><strong>First of all<\\\/strong>, use the data. Download the <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/datahq.sas.org.uk\\\/sewage-data-hq\\\/is-it-safe-to-swim\\\/\\\">Safer Seas &amp; Rivers<\\\/a> app or the <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/theriverstrust.org\\\/sewage-map\\\">Rivers Trust Sewage Map<\\\/a> to see real-time data about sewage spills.<br\\\/><br\\\/><strong>Secondly<\\\/strong>, become familiar with how the weather affects water quality. For example, avoid swimming for 48 hours after heavy rain because this is when sewage spills, plus you get run off from fields and urban areas.<br\\\/><br\\\/><strong>Thirdly<\\\/strong>, learn to recognise visible signs of pollution (pollution isn\u2019t always visible) using <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/outdoorswimmer.com\\\/featured\\\/environment\\\/why-must-we-keep-on-swimming-in-rivers\\\/\\\">these warning signs<\\\/a> from Rebecca Duncan at The Rivers Trust:<br\\\/><br\\\/><strong>Murky\u00a0or foamy water:\u00a0<\\\/strong>Unusual discolouration, cloudiness, or surface scum can all indicate the presence of pollution.<br\\\/><strong>Unpleasant odours:<\\\/strong>\u00a0A strong sewage smell suggests a recent or ongoing wastewater discharge.<br\\\/><strong>Algal blooms:\u00a0<\\\/strong>These are easy to spot, look for large areas of green on the surface \u2013 sometimes looking a like a green paint spill.<br\\\/><strong>Visible litter:<\\\/strong>\u00a0Obvious signs of plastic waste or other rubbish often signal poor water quality.<br\\\/><strong>Recent heavy rainfall:\u00a0<\\\/strong>Storm overflows release sewage during and soon after heavy rainfall, additionally rain can wash pollutants from farmland and roads into rivers.<br\\\/><br\\\/>OS Champions <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/tag\\\/natasha-sones\\\/\\\">Natasha Sones<\\\/a> and <a href=\\\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/tag\\\/jo-moseley\\\/\\\">Jo Moseley<\\\/a> are both keen outdoor swimmers\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\\\/#faq-question-1761230061697\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/osmaps.com\\\/discover\\\/guides\\\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\\\/#faq-question-1761230061697\",\"name\":\"How do I practice good swimming hygiene to minimise sickness\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"If you\u2019re still concerned about stripping off and dunking in a body of water, you can follow good swimming hygiene practices to minimise the risk of getting sick.<br\\\/><br\\\/>\u201cWhen you do swim, if you\u2019re in any doubt about the water quality, keep your head above the water and shower as soon as you get home,\u201d says Rebecca. \u201cAs well as your warm layers and tow float for safety, you should also wear earplugs, cover any open wounds, wash your hands and rinse your mouth out post-swim as regular parts of your swim routine.\u201d\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Water Pollution Risk for Wild Swimmers in the UK - 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It\u2019s true that we have more awareness of pollution, but data from Surfer\u2019s Against Sewage published in April 2025 shows that pollution in English waters has reached a <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/featured\/environment\/new-data-reveals-water-pollution-up-by-a-third\/\">10-year high<\/a>.<br\/>\u201cThe current public concern about sewage pollution in rivers is a good thing. The more pressure people put on politicians, the more likely it is they will act to tackle the problem,\u201d says Outdoor Swimmer\u2019s Founder Simon Griffiths in <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/featured\/is-pollution-in-rivers-getting-worse-and-what-can-you-do-about-it\/\">this article<\/a>. \u201cBut there is a downside too. In our most recent Attitudes to Outdoor Swimming Survey, swimmers listed pollution as the biggest barrier to future growth in outdoor swimming.\u201d<br\/>Pollution, especially from sewage, can put our health at risk. In 2024 alone, Surfers Against Sewage received 1,853 Sickness Reports through its <a href=\"https:\/\/datahq.sas.org.uk\/sewage-data-hq\/is-it-safe-to-swim\/\">Safer Seas &amp; Rivers Service<\/a> app \u2013 an average of five people getting sick per day after using the water.","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\/#faq-question-1761230017101","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\/#faq-question-1761230017101","name":"Should I stop swimming outdoors?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Does this mean you should go back to the pool? The answer is an emphatic no.<br\/>\u201cThe Sewage Scandal does have a thin silver lining. It has resulted in better information,\u201d says Simon. \u201cI\u2019m more comfortable swimming in the Thames than I was five years ago \u2013 although I\u2019m also more selective about when I swim.\u201d<br\/>Simon is talking about the <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/featured\/environment\/does-the-sewage-scandal-have-a-silver-lining\/\">information<\/a> we can get from Surfers Against Sewage and <a href=\"https:\/\/theriverstrust.org\/sewage-map\">The Rivers Trust<\/a> that shows when and where water companies discharge sewage. He mentions the citizen scientists who collect and share water quality findings, and the swimming groups who have successfully campaigned for Bathing Water Status at their swim spots.<br\/>\u201cOutdoor swimming, even in the shadow of pollution concerns, remains a joyful way to connect with nature and ourselves,\u201d says Simon. \u201cPersonally, I think the benefits still far outweigh the risks, especially when we use the data. I encourage you to explore what data you can find about your regular swimming spots to swim smarter and with more peace of mind.\u201d<br\/><br\/><br\/>Outdoor Swimmer's founder, Simon in the Thames","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\/#faq-question-1761230041299","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\/#faq-question-1761230041299","name":"How do I identify polluted water so I can swim safely","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"So, how do we stay safe from pollution?<br\/><br\/><strong>First of all<\/strong>, use the data. Download the <a href=\"https:\/\/datahq.sas.org.uk\/sewage-data-hq\/is-it-safe-to-swim\/\">Safer Seas &amp; Rivers<\/a> app or the <a href=\"https:\/\/theriverstrust.org\/sewage-map\">Rivers Trust Sewage Map<\/a> to see real-time data about sewage spills.<br\/><br\/><strong>Secondly<\/strong>, become familiar with how the weather affects water quality. For example, avoid swimming for 48 hours after heavy rain because this is when sewage spills, plus you get run off from fields and urban areas.<br\/><br\/><strong>Thirdly<\/strong>, learn to recognise visible signs of pollution (pollution isn\u2019t always visible) using <a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorswimmer.com\/featured\/environment\/why-must-we-keep-on-swimming-in-rivers\/\">these warning signs<\/a> from Rebecca Duncan at The Rivers Trust:<br\/><br\/><strong>Murky\u00a0or foamy water:\u00a0<\/strong>Unusual discolouration, cloudiness, or surface scum can all indicate the presence of pollution.<br\/><strong>Unpleasant odours:<\/strong>\u00a0A strong sewage smell suggests a recent or ongoing wastewater discharge.<br\/><strong>Algal blooms:\u00a0<\/strong>These are easy to spot, look for large areas of green on the surface \u2013 sometimes looking a like a green paint spill.<br\/><strong>Visible litter:<\/strong>\u00a0Obvious signs of plastic waste or other rubbish often signal poor water quality.<br\/><strong>Recent heavy rainfall:\u00a0<\/strong>Storm overflows release sewage during and soon after heavy rainfall, additionally rain can wash pollutants from farmland and roads into rivers.<br\/><br\/>OS Champions <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/natasha-sones\/\">Natasha Sones<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/tag\/jo-moseley\/\">Jo Moseley<\/a> are both keen outdoor swimmers","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\/#faq-question-1761230061697","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/guides\/water-pollution-risk-for-wild-swimmers-in-the-uk\/#faq-question-1761230061697","name":"How do I practice good swimming hygiene to minimise sickness","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"If you\u2019re still concerned about stripping off and dunking in a body of water, you can follow good swimming hygiene practices to minimise the risk of getting sick.<br\/><br\/>\u201cWhen you do swim, if you\u2019re in any doubt about the water quality, keep your head above the water and shower as soon as you get home,\u201d says Rebecca. \u201cAs well as your warm layers and tow float for safety, you should also wear earplugs, cover any open wounds, wash your hands and rinse your mouth out post-swim as regular parts of your swim routine.\u201d","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18466","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18466"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18466\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18490,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18466\/revisions\/18490"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18474"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18466"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18466"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18466"},{"taxonomy":"activities","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/activities?post=18466"},{"taxonomy":"locations","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/osmaps.com\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/locations?post=18466"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}