Are you waiting for the right opportunity to begin open water swimming? Do you perhaps hold the belief that open water swimming is solely for athletes or events? This is a great misconception which can deter swimmers. There are many benefits to open water swimming other than sports and fitness related. Swimming in open water has many great advantages related to mental health. This blog will touch on some of these amazing benefits.
What makes open water swimming so good?
The natural environment experienced during open water swimming can be extremely calming for many swimmers. The scenery, sky and fresh air is idyllic compared to more constructed pool settings. This allows swimmers to truly relax and take in their environment, enabling them to clear their mind and focus solely on the surroundings. This can provide a sense of peace from any stresses they may have in their everyday lives.
Why cold water is so powerful
Additionally, many studies have noted anti-inflammatory benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing, particularly related to swimming in cold water. These include pain relief, reduced inflammation, boosted immune function and lower levels of depression anxiety and stress. Reports have found that cold water exposure induces a stress reaction which triggers our sympathetic nervous system and increases the secretion of hormones which impact mood. It is suggested that this is one of the factors contributing to the calming and mind-clearing effects of open water swimming, particularly during colder months.
The impact of swimming communities
Open water swimming not only offers the wellbeing benefits of the environment and cold water but it also gives swimmers a sense of community. At Dosthill Quarry many of our swimmers branch together, swimming in groups or pairs. This offers new friendships and emotional connections with people from different corners of life. Providing a social aspect to open water swimming, which can be beneficial to an individual’s mental wellbeing.
Try it for yourself
Many swimmers report these great benefits which open swimming has on their mental wellbeing. Why not give open water swimming a go? Take the opportunity to swim in relaxing open waters and clear your mind whilst taking a break from the busyness and stress of everyday life. If you’re a beginner, make sure to check out our ‘Beginner’s Guide’ for more information on how to start your open water swimming journey.
Bibliography
Groeneveld, W., Krainz, M., White, M.P., Heske, A., Elliott, L.R., Bratman, G.N., Fleming, L.E. and Grellier, J., (2025). The psychological benefits of open-water (wild) swimming. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 102(10255), p.8. Available from https://www.pure.ed.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/495434322/GroeneveldEtal2025JEPThePsychologicalBenefits.pdf [accessed 5 February 2026]
Oliver, B. (2021) Cold water swimming for well-being: Journal of Public Mental Health, 20, (2), pp. 105-110. Available from https://www.emerald.com/jpmh/article/20/2/105/228567/Cold-water-swimming-for-well-being [accessed 5 February 2026]
Swim England (2024) Wild Swim Project research shows mental health benefits of wild swimming: Swimming.org. Available from https://www.swimming.org/openwater/wild-swim-project/ [accessed 5 February 2026}