Unpopular opinion: Why I Don’t Wild Swim…
There’s something undeniably beautiful about the idea of wild swimming.
The romance of slipping quietly into open water. The feeling of freedom. The connection to nature. The slowing down of breath and mind.
And honestly? I understand the appeal.
Living in Warwickshire, we’re surrounded by stretches of peaceful countryside, winding rivers, hidden reservoirs, and lakes that look serene from the surface. On an early morning walk, mist rising over the water, birdsong in the distance, it can feel deeply restorative just to stand beside it.
But despite loving wellness, nature, and all the grounding things that come from being outdoors… wild swimming is one trend I personally choose not to follow.
Not because I don’t appreciate nature.
Quite the opposite.
The Reality Beneath the Surface
Over the past few years, we’ve become more aware of what’s actually entering our waterways. Sewage overflow, agricultural runoff, chemical pollution, litter, bacteria and parasites are no longer isolated concerns — they’re becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
And while social media often paints wild swimming as this pure, untouched wellness experience, the reality in many local waterways is far more complicated.
Some rivers and lakes may appear clean, but appearance tells us very little about water quality.
Parasites, harmful bacteria and pollutants are often invisible.
For me, wellness has always been about listening to the body, protecting long-term health, and making choices that genuinely nourish us — not simply following trends because they look freeing or fashionable online.
Nature Isn’t Here for Our Entertainment
There’s another side to this conversation that I think we don’t talk about enough.
Wild spaces are ecosystems first.
They are habitats. Homes. Breeding grounds. Feeding areas.
When large numbers of people begin entering natural waters — especially in previously quiet areas — it changes those environments. Banks become eroded. Wildlife is disturbed. Rubbish appears. Plant life is damaged. Noise increases.
It reminds me, in some ways, of what has happened to coral reefs around the world.
Places once thriving and delicate become overwhelmed by human presence, even when people arrive with good intentions.
Of course, Warwickshire doesn’t have coral reefs. But it does have fragile local ecosystems that deserve the same level of respect and protection.
Sometimes loving nature means admiring it gently, without needing to immerse ourselves in it.
Wellness Doesn’t Have to Be Extreme
I think modern wellness culture can sometimes drift into the idea that we must constantly push ourselves toward the next challenge:
Ice baths. Cold plunges. Wild swimming at sunrise. Endurance experiences disguised as healing.
But wellness can also be soft.
It can be walking quietly beside water instead of swimming in it.
It can be sitting under trees with a coffee flask and noticing the seasons change.
It can be Pilates, stretching, deep breathing, slow movement, warm showers, early nights, nourishing food, and creating calm within ourselves rather than chasing intensity.
There is no prize for forcing yourself into discomfort if it doesn’t genuinely feel right for you.
My Connection to Nature Looks Different
I still adore being outdoors.
I love riverside walks in Warwickshire. I love hearing water move. I love open skies, muddy paths, fresh air and the feeling of space after a busy week.
But I’ve realised I don’t need to physically enter wild water to feel connected to nature.
For me, connection comes from respect.
From observing. Protecting. Appreciating.
And perhaps that’s a quieter kind of wellness — one rooted not in performance, but in awareness.
So no, you probably won’t find me wild swimming anytime soon.
But you will find me walking beside the water, breathing deeply, and feeling grateful that these beautiful places still exist at all.
About Serendipity Wellness®
Serendipity Wellness provides Pilates classes, wellness coaching, women’s health support, and holistic wellbeing services across Warwickshire. Founded by Tracy Richardson, the business supports women through movement, mindfulness, midlife wellness, and community connection.
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Tracy Richardson MSc is a movement and wellness specialist with a background in therapy, Pilates, and wellbeing, she combines evidence-based practice with a nurturing, mindful approach. Tracy’s mission is to empower individuals to move with awareness, release tension, and cultivate sustainable health, strength, and inner calm. When she’s not teaching or writing, you’ll often find her walking her dog, practising Pilates, or sipping a calming cup of tea.
