The Benefits of Swimming in Open Water and the Ocean

Open water swimming is becoming an increasingly popular way to combine exercise, outdoor recreation, and exploration. While the activity offers several health and wellness benefits, swimmers should also understand the potential risks and environmental responsibilities that come with swimming in natural waters.

(Illustrative Only)
A Yellowtail.
If only it was this clear. :)

Recently, I have been getting more involved in spearfishing in Michigan. Likewise I occassionally swim the ocean in California. I have always enjoyed fishing, although I certainly would not consider myself the world's greatest fisherman. I have even started reading a book about fishing lures, so we will see if that improves my skills! What I particularly enjoy about open water activities is the opportunity to combine several interests at once.

When I swim in open water, I put on my flippers, wet suit, take my camera, and explore what I can find beneath the surface. Photography gives me another reason to observe the environment and discover things I might otherwise miss. At the same time, swimming provides an excellent cardiovascular workout and helps develop overall muscle strength and tone. It also engages stabilizer muscles that may not receive as much attention during other forms of exercise.

The benefits extend beyond physical fitness. Spending time in nature has long been associated with improved mood and mental well-being. Open water swimming provides an opportunity to exercise while also getting outside, experiencing nature, and exploring an environment that is very different from a traditional gym.

Research supports many of these perceived benefits while also recognizing that open water swimming comes with certain risks. One important consideration is the potential impact on the environment. Swimmers need to understand the conditions and regulations of the area where they swim and make an effort to minimize their environmental impact. Being mindful of wildlife, vegetation, water quality, and other swimmers helps ensure that these natural environments remain healthy and accessible.

You can't really see anything in the but likely a Yellow Tail Ocean Perch/Rockfish. 

For me, open water swimming is more than just exercise. It combines fitness, nature, exploration, photography, and recreation into one activity. As a fitness instructor, yoga instructor, and someone who enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, I appreciate the opportunity to help others discover ways to stay active and connected with the outdoors.

If you would like a little virtual help with fitness, movement, or developing an active lifestyle, send me a message to the right.

Open Water Swimming, Health, Wellbeing, and Environmental Impacts

• The study examined the perceived health, wellbeing, and environmental benefits and risks of open water swimming using a national online survey of 717 Scottish swimmers.
• Mental wellbeing was identified as the most important perceived benefit by participants in nearly every age group, while swimmers over age 65 placed greater emphasis on physical health benefits.
• The findings suggest that open water swimming provides opportunities for physical activity, connection with nature, social interaction, and improved mental wellbeing.
• Lake swimmers expressed greater concern about potential environmental damage associated with the increasing popularity of open water swimming than participants who primarily swam in rivers or the sea.
• Overall, participants viewed the environmental risks as relatively limited, and the researchers concluded that understanding both benefits and risks can help develop safer, healthier, and more sustainable opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Oliver, D. M., McDougall, C. W., Robertson, T., Grant, B., Hanley, N., & Quilliam, R. S. (2023). Self-reported benefits and risks of open water swimming to health, wellbeing and the environment: Cross-sectional evidence from a survey of Scottish swimmers. PLOS ONE, 18(8), e0290834. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290834