Open Water Swimming Safety Tips from NHS Western Isles

There is a wealth of evidence which shows that spending time in nature can have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. One activity that has become increasingly popular in recent years is open water swimming.

Open water swimming is a fantastic way to connect with nature, whilst exercising and enjoying the freedom of lochs, rivers, and the sea. However, unlike swimming in a pool, natural water can expose people to bacteria, pollution, cold temperatures, and unpredictable currents.

The beautiful beaches and lochs across the Outer Hebrides offer some of the best open water swimming spots, and while open water swimming can be hugely rewarding, it does come with some risks.

Hazards such as strong currents, cold temperatures and water quality should all be taken seriously. To help people stay safe, NHS Western Isles has prepared guidance for reducing the risks of developing illness or infections for anyone thinking about taking up open water swimming.

Choose where and when to swim:

• look for signs of water contamination – avoid swimming in water with blue-green algal (cyanobacteria) blooms or scums in fresh water
• be mindful of shallow warmer bodies of water as they often breed blue-green algae
• be mindful of where Scottish Water storm drains are located – more information available at: https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/Your-Home/Your-Waste-Water/Overflows/Live-Overflow-Map
• be aware of the locations of septic tank outfalls
• wait at least 48 hours after heavy rain in case of sewage overflow.

Before you swim:

• cover cuts, scratches or sores with a waterproof plaster
• wear appropriate protective clothing such as a wetsuit, gloves or protective footwear.

While you are swimming:

• try to avoid swallowing or splashing water into your mouth
• observe local safety advice
• wear bright colours that can easily be spotted in open water.

After swimming you can minimise the risk of becoming ill by:

• cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and water, removing all sand from hands before eating or handling food
• thoroughly cleaning cuts or abrasions using soap and water, before applying a waterproof plaster
• handing your wetsuit with care after use – clean your wetsuit and swimsuit with detergent and rinse as advised by manufacturer
• do not do multiple swims in one day without rinsing your swimsuit or wetsuit in between.

Isabell MacInnes, Health Protection and Screening Nurse Specialist, NHS Western Isles, said: “With the increase in the number of people interested and participating in open water swimming we felt it was important to provide some information that will help people take precautions to stay safe and prevent illness, so we have developed an information leaflet and poster.”

You can access the new leaflet here via our website https://www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Open-water-swimming-trifiold-leaflet-June-2025-final.pdf.

If any organisation would like hard copies of the posters or leaflets, please contact the Health Protection Team on wi.healthprotection@nhs.scot.