Etiquette in Wild Swimming Groups

Will I fit in with a swim group?
Most people are surprised by how quickly they feel at home. Wild swimming groups are made up of every shape, size, age, and ability you can imagine. There’s no expectation to look a certain way or swim a certain distance. People come for the fresh air, the company, and the shared moment in the water. You’re welcomed exactly as you are.

Do I need special kit to join in?
Not at all. You’ll see everything from old clothes and bobble hats to full wetsuits and bright tow floats. Nobody minds what you wear as long as you’re warm and safe. People are usually more interested in how you’re feeling than what you’ve brought. If you’re unsure, someone will happily talk you through the basics.

Will people judge my body?
Wild swimming is one of the few spaces where bodies simply aren’t the focus. Everyone is wrapped in layers, peeling off layers, or hopping about trying to get warm,it’s all very human and very normal. The water has a way of levelling things, and most swimmers are far more interested in the sunrise, the chat, or the cake afterwards than how anyone looks.

What if I feel nervous on my first dip?
It’s completely normal to feel a flutter of nerves before a group dip. Let someone know it’s your first time, and you’ll often find a friendly face who checks in with you, swims at your pace, and makes sure you’re warm afterwards.