The accessibility of wild swimming spots in England

Rice, Louis; Fouad, Zaky

Abstract

Wild swimming, defined as swimming for pleasure in natural waters, has increased in popularity among UK residents since the emergence of Covid-19, with an estimate of 2.1 million people preferring to swim in open water, e.g. lakes, lochs, rivers and seas (Swim England, 2019). Wild swimming is also associated to better physical and mental wellbeing, through improving immune functioning (Huttunen et al., 2004), reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (Guthold et al., 2018), and helping to cope with anxiety and depression (Tipton et al, 2017). Nevertheless, there is a question about the degree of inaccessibility of those wild swim locations, and whether there is a potential to maximise their accessibility to the public. Accordingly, this study investigates the degree of accessibility of wild swimming in the UK, using quantitative data of swimming spots provided by two online platforms (mobile apps). This data is thereafter explored in relation to the residential populations of each Lower Layer Super Output Area (LSOA) - a geographical classification used in the UK Census - where each swimming spot is located. Based on the GIS analysis of the datasets, findings suggest that only two percent of the England and Wales population has walking accessibility to the 991 swimming spots reported in this study, when we assume a walking distance (service area) of 800 metres from those swimming spots. This percentage could be increased with minimal changes in policies and regulations concerned with banning swimming in some urban areas, as presented in the qualitative case study of the Bristol harbour. The research provides useful insight for policy makers, urban planners, local authorities and metro mayors to improve the provision of urban wild swim locations, especially when considering its physical and mental health benefits.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Abstract
• Conference Name: European Urban Research Association (EURA)
• Start Date: Jun 10, 2025
• End Date: Jun 13, 2025
• Acceptance Date: Dec 17, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jun 16, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14565577