Open water swimming, also known as wild swimming, is swimming in either the sea, lakes, rivers or natural pools. It is a growing trend with the number of people who now take part in it doubling from the number of those who did it in 2017. Approximately, 7.5 million adults in the UK take part in open water swimming. There are numerous reasons for the increase of people swimming in open water, including affordability. Samantha herself is no stranger to spending time in open water, having grown up in Southend, she spent many hours of her childhood along the coast.
Reasons for the Growth in Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming is a much more affordable alternative for many people compared to swimming at a pool. It can also be more accessible to people as, with the UK being an island nation, many live close to the coast, especially when compared to other countries, such as the USA. In the UK, no-one lives over 80 miles from the sea.
Green Sea Turtle Fine Art Print
However, popularity for open water swimming is still increasing globally. Open water swimming events are expected to grow by 2034 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% while open water swimming tourism is expected to have a CAGR of 7.8%.
Open water swimming can also be considered more appealing than swimming at a pool as there are less regulations surrounding it, such as having no lanes in the water.
With the increasing temperature around the world, illustrated by a recent heatwave in Europe, people are encouraged to find ways to cool down. The cold water temperature of open water provides that relief.
With growing wariness surrounding climate change and the environment, more people are encouraged to go out and experience the beauty of nature, including its lakes, ponds, rivers and the sea.
Another reason for the growth in popularity of open water swimming is the increasing interest with what is aesthetic, whether this is for social media or just people wanting to explore more natural beauty. Open water tends to provide for more aesthetic content than that of a pool. There are exceptions to this idea. However, if you compare the price of visiting an aesthetic worthy pool to that of an open body of water, the latter will most definitely be more affordable.
Open water swimming also boosts both physical and mental health. “The cold water immersion is known to boost the immune system, reduce stress, and release endorphins, creating a natural high. The challenge of conquering the elements also fosters a sense of accomplishment and resilience, contributing to enhanced mental fortitude.”[1] If this interests you, I suggest you read another blog on Sammie’s website, titled “A Short History of Our Healing Relationship with the Coast”. It can be found through this link: A Short History of Our Healing Relationship with the Coast – Samantha Frances Art
Another bonus of open water swimming, at least for some people, is the creatures they encounter when they are in the water. In a river, one can encounter many fish; in a lake, one can observe birds along the bank; in the sea, one may notice jellyfish. The latter of which I would flee from!
Atlantic Mackerel Fine Art Print
How this relates to Samantha
Samantha has taken notice of these beautiful creatures and depicted many of them in her artwork. Her creations are a way of bringing a part of nature into the home. The vibrant colours she uses create joy and energy into people’s everyday lives, brightening up the mundane. They act as a memory caught on paper to bring a moment back to you. Even if you are not a fan of open water swimming, you can still appreciate the beauty in Samantha’s depictions of wildlife and marine creatures.
Sources:
Marine Supplies Direct, “Riding the Wave: Why Open Water Swimming is Exploding in Popularity Across the UK,” 13 March, 2025, https://www.marinesuppliesdirect.co.uk/blogs/news/riding-the-wave-why-open-water-swimming-is-exploding-in-popularity-across-the-uk?srsltid=AfmBOorGktFBff1fV5eoTcSsiXRgDr7cM12R_DGfuoEzWZ6dQ7XJjRsy
Market Intelo, Debadatta Patel, “Open Water Swimming Tourism Market Research Report 2034,” 12 June 2026, https://marketintelo.com/report/open-water-swimming-tourism-market
Market Intelo, Debadatta Patel, “Open Water Swimming Event Market Research Report 2034,” 11 June 2026, https://marketintelo.com/report/open-water-swimming-event-market
Outdoor Swimmer, “The open water community has doubled since 2017,” 5 February, 2026, https://outdoorswimmer.com/news/open-water-swimming-has-doubled-in-popularity-since-2017/#:~:text=The%20report%20also%20recognises%20the,more%20than%20doubled%20to%20543%2C000.
The Staffordshire Signal, Bethany Lockett, “Open Water Swimming,” 6 June, 2026, https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/open-water-swimming/
Tri Training Harder, Denise Tracey, “OPEN WATER SWIMMING: FROM DIPPING TO SWIMMING,” 31 January, 2025, https://tritrainingharder.com/blog/2025/01/open-water-swimming-from-dipping-to-swimming
Water Safety England, “Open Water Swimming,” https://nationalwatersafety.org.uk/water-safety-england/guidance-for-the-public/open-water-swimming#:~:text=Also%20known%20as%20wild%20swimming,activities%2C%20there%20are%20risks%20associated.
The Wildlife Trusts, “Coastal,” https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/habitats/coastal#:~:text=In%20the%20UK%2C%20no%2Done,thrive%20on%20tourism%20and%20recreation.
Written by Talia Adler
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