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See article about wild swimming published in the Independent on the 28th June 2010.
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BW board
 Wild swimming with Alice Roberts is coming
soon to BBC4
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The summer has hardly got underway and reports are coming in of warnings issued by
some authorities trying to discourage the public, the young in particular, from bathing
in inland waters. We are told that the water is cold and deep, there are hidden currents
and freezing-cold springs in the middle of lakes - to mention but a few. The volume and frequency of these warnings has declined considerably in recent years following the dramatic rise in popularity of ‘wild swimming’. However, their irrelevance and poor quality remains disturbing. Above is a recent example of water safety information which, we were informed, has been issued to schools in the Warrington area. Not only does it contain misleading information - e.g. the water is freezing cold (Hatchmere, in common with many other lakes in lowland Britain, reached 26C in June) it tells us that ‘the weight of the water is directly related to the speed of flow’ (complete nonsense) and misses out key factors such as alcohol. Today's youngsters use the Internet, go abroad and watch TV. They soon realise that it is not the water in England and Wales which is different from the rest of the world but irrational attitude to the sport which still prevails in some quarters. They love messing about in natural water and sense that the warnings they were given are meaningless. Next, swimming outdoors becomes a ‘cool’ challenge. The blanket warnings are interpreted as applying equally to all inland waters. Why then not visit the nearest reservoir under the cover of darkness and bring along a crate of lager ? When they get into the water they discover that the water is not cold at all – probably around 20C or higher in lowland UK. They venture further from shore and still find the water comfortably warm and there are no currents or cold springs. Encouraged by these discoveries they egg each other on to swim to the opposite shore. Some may not reach it. Wonder why? Here are some facts - Although water temperature is a key factor in swimming safety, cold water (below say 15C) is only a danger to those who accidentally fall in. Swimmers soon find out that the water is cold and stay out. They are most at risk when the temperature is comfortably warm. This is because the body losses heat to the water at a rate 30 times higher than to air. Heat loss takes place at any temperature lower than that of the body and is proportional to the temperature difference. Children and teenagers are particularly at risk because of larger skin surface to body mass ratio. Had our youngsters been taught what effect the ‘warm’ water can have after spending half an hour in the water, they might have decided to stay safe and race along the shore rather than across. Swimming and alcohol are a lethal combination. It is estimated that alcohol plays part in most drownings while swimming in open water .Despite that, water safety warnings and references to incidents where alcohol was known to be consumed, seldom mention it The time has come for the emergency services and local authorities throughout Britain to accept that the public want to and will swim in rivers and lakes. Rather than issue meaningless warnings, they have a duty to guide those who want to engage to traditional, safe bathing sites, reopen the ones which have been closed on H&S grounds and issue relevant, practical safety advice. It is not for the emergency services or local authorities to decide which sports the public should be allowed to participate in. It is unacceptable that some are still engaged in issuing safety advice that can kill. | |
The Big Jump - Hatchmere 11th July 2010
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The newly-formed Blue Sky Swimming club in Lincolnshire was set up by enthusiastic sisters
Sandra and Nicola to celebrate outdoor swimming in the sea, lidos, pools and rivers of Lincolnshire and beyond.
For further information visit their blog at http://waterbloggedsisters.blogspot.com or click here to visit the club's website 
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THE EDINBURGH OPEN WATER SWIMMING FESTIVAL - Portobello Beach, Edinburgh, Sunday 5th September,
11am-2pm. For further details and to enter click here |
| BHF BIG SPLASH The British Heart Foundations (BHF) Big Splash, Saturday 21st August at the spactacular Princes Club in Middlesex. For further information Click here |
| SEA SWIM SOUTH DEVON is held in aid of Rowcroft Hospice on Sunday 12th September 2010, 2pm at Teignmouth Beach, South Devon. For further information visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/events/seaswim |
| THE ROYAL WINDSOR RIVER SWIM will take place on September 19th 2010 from Alexandra Gardens in the heart of the historic town of Windsor. The 2010 event will be the first of many in years to come. Entries can be made at www.f 3events.co.UK with limited places of only 500 for this year. |
| SUPER SERIES SWIMS, Middlesex 7 August, 4 September. to enter please visit www.swimsuperseries.co.uk |
| BIG SCOTTISH SWIM 7th August August 2010 in the bay at Elie. Click here to register |
The Lake District Love Your Lakes campaign Click here to find out more.
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This book consists of 250pp of double column A4 liberally illustrated with laser printed monochrome photos "WireO" bound in colour covers. It covers the UK and France in depth + 1 chapter for the rest of the world. There is now an extensive index giving Grid References and Post Codes for the UK and Michelin Road Atlas references for France. Two chapters at the end cover "wild skating" and it's history. This book is written not so much to enthuse people to swim wild, but rather to inform those who already do so. Hence the site appraisals are critical to the point of sometimes being negative! Sites suitable for disabled access are indicated. This revised edition, with over 500 UK & nearly 150 sites in France, is the result of over 10 years of research. A must for the aficionado. Price £10 + £3 post & packing. Cheques to Rob Fryer please posted to: Rob Fryer, 39 Portway, Warminster, Wilts, BA12 8QQ, T:01985 847168 ,M: 07733 191395 These will be sold on a first come first served basis.Don't forget to give your name and address! wild swimming COAST by Daniel Start  Described by the author as 'the salty sequel to Wild Swimming freshwater original' Daniel's new book is a journey along Britain's coastline discovering secret beaches, sandy coves, smugglers' caves, deep lagoons and hidden places to swim, snorkel and sunbathe. Very well researched, with 350 venues, magnificent pictures and volumes of information (there is even a chapter on seashore foraging!), the book is another 'must have' for all lovers of the outdoors. Our congratulations to Daniel on another great achievement. See details or order a copy See article in the Times |
There is now little doubt that the attitude of some UK organisation towards
swimming in natural water, inland water in particular, is not only unique - it looks increasingly irrational and obsessive.
Take, for example the following extract from the official website of the Yosemite National Park in the States MORE....
Take, for example the following extract from the official website of the Yosemite National Park in the States MORE....
 'For water safety advice talk to the cool people in swimsuits not to the wet people in grey suits' [Pete Roberts] Click here to discover how the health and safety merchants manipulate the media. |
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Extracts from the judgement in the Tomlinson v Congleton BC HSE clarifies scope of 'Blue Book' Heath ponds court victory Environment Agency clarifies its attitude to swimming |
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Broomhill Lido, Ipswich, is over 50m long, 8 lanes wide, 15 feet deep, with a large separate children's pool and a grandstand for 700 people. The Lido was more than a pool - a social melting pot, a place to make friends for life, fall in love, relax, play in safety (outdoors !) and keep fit. The pool closed in 2002 needing a deserved overhaul. The Broomhill Pool Trust has campaigned for 8 years for its reinstatement. Sadly, at the exact time that it has just received a comprehensive bid from a leading operator, Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) has withdrawn a £1m pledge towards the pool's restoration. The future is in the balance, IBC could secure the future of the pool and deliver taxpayers with a terrific return on their investment; or see taxpayers unwittingly spend the same to let this wonderful facility rot. For further information and to show your support click here for the Trust's website. The Pooling Resources Group has been set up to help people campaigning for their local pools 
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Black Park Click here 
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Bury Lake Following the latest legal clarifications of operators liabilities regarding swimming in open water there is no longer a justification for keeping traditional inland water bathing sites, such as at Bury Lake, Rickmansworth closed to the public. More.. |
Brereton Heath Want to know why swimming is still banned in the lake which was at the centre of the Tomlinson case? Click here..  |
| RALSA is an association of clubs & individuals representing wild swimmers. Membership is free and we make no demands. Whether you are a competitive, all year round or recreational summer swimmer, please join us to show your support [Click here] |
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Please contact us by emailing to: yacovlev@hotmail.com Media enquiries: 0151 428 3990 (9 till late) 0793 0810 316(M) Postal address: 26 Baroncroft Rd. Woolton Liverpool L25 6EH |
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