guide

What to wear for wild swimming, season by season

Choose swimwear and changing layers for the activity and conditions, with visibility and a dry change in mind.

There is no single outfit for every open-water swim. Consider water and air conditions, activity, entry surface and changing arrangements. Clothing and equipment cannot make open water risk-free.

In and out of the water

Choose swimwear that allows movement. For a wetsuit, compare manufacturer specs and fit guidance for the exact model. Bright swimwear can help visibility; a tow float may also be considered but is not a lifejacket. Bring a towel, dry clothes and shelter for afterwards. Check local information rather than using month or season as a proxy for conditions. Read RNLI open-water advice. Access and conditions differ across the UK nations.