UK wild swimming · Safety first
A little preparation.
A better swim.
From your first open-water swim to finding the right kit. Clear, calm guidance for the water ahead.
No promises about conditions. No one-size-fits-all advice.
A good place to begin
Make the next step a considered one.
Safety comes first ↗
Cold water, changing conditions and planning your way out.
02 / PACK WITH PURPOSEYour swim kit checklist ↗
Think through visibility, comfort and getting warm afterwards.
03 / CHECK BEFORE YOU GOUnderstand water quality ↗
Find the official source for your part of the UK.
The Tarnbay approach
Good guidance. No guesswork.
We link to the people who know: the RNLI, Outdoor Swimming Society and official water-quality bodies. We explain kit specifications without claiming product testing.
How we put our guides together →Explore the guides
Getting started with wild swimming ↗
A calm, practical starting point for planning an open-water swim, choosing a location and getting support.
Swim wetsuits and warmth ↗
Understand swim-wetsuit features, fit and warmth, and why kit cannot remove the risks of cold open water.
Changing and warming up after a swim ↗
Plan dry clothes and a sheltered place to change, and learn NHS advice for suspected hypothermia.
Tow floats and visibility ↗
Learn what tow floats and bright swimwear can and cannot do, and follow local water-safety advice.
Places to swim and access rules ↗
Research a swimming location, check local signs and verify access and swimming rules with the responsible authority.
Swimming through the seasons ↗
Plan around changing water and weather conditions, and use official information rather than assuming a season is predictable.