The Joy of Open Water Swimming: Exploring Lakes, Rivers, and Oceans this Summer
July 24, 2023
Enjoy the invigorating experience of open water swimming around the globe and discover some of the most beautiful natural locations. Swimming is an excellent sport that you can enjoy wherever you are.
There is a global community of swimmers who love venturing into wild waters for the tranquility of being immersed in nature and the thrill of navigating unpredictable conditions. For those open water swimmers heading out on a summer adventure, here are our 6 best places to check out.
Keeping safe: Top open water swimming tips
Before we get started on the top swimming spots, let us talk about safety considerations first.
If you are new to open water swimming or have only swum at your local lake, here are some top tips to stay safe when venturing into uncharted water:
This is not just a fashionable item to keep your hair dry. All open water swimmers should wear brightly colored swim caps that make them easier to spot in the water.
Be sure to plan ahead, especially when swimming in a new location. Have an idea of what route you are planning to swim, a rough estimate of distance, and time.
Always check the predicted weather and tidal patterns before diving in. Contact the local swimming group to get their advice and recommendations.
Swimming as part of a group will help keep you safe and on track. Even if your travel companion does not love the water, they can sit on the shore and keep track of you.
Are you a solo traveler? No problem! Most popular open water swimming spots have groups that regularly swim together and are open to everyone.
An inflatable, fluorescent safety buoy is perfect for keeping you visible in the water. In an emergency, it can also be an essential float to keep you above the surface. Somesafety buoys also include a waterproof pocket for storing valuables during your swim.
The 6 best places to go open water swimming this summer
1. The Kopla River, Slovenia
Swimming in rivers can be challenging due to fast currents and hidden underwater hazards. Fortunately the Kopla river has great swimming locations with gentle currents downstream.
Water temperatures in summer reach a balmy 30°C/86°F. You can enjoy a leisurely swim upstream then let the river carry you back to the starting point.
To help you navigate the best swimming spots, book a Kopla river swim holiday with a local guide. Alternatively, there are plenty of camping spots on the riverside and Slovenia has some of the most incredible nature in Europe to explore.
2. Loch Lomond, Scotland
Loch Lomond in Scotland is a massive expanse of water that offers incredible swimming surrounded by stunning scenery bordering the Scottish Highlands. It was formed by melting glaciers from the end of the ice age over 10,000 years ago and is rumored to be home to the mythical Loch Ness monster.
This freshwater lake only warms to 15°C/59°F in summer, so you might still want to wear your wetsuit. But do not let that put you off.
Loch Lomond has many small islands which are ideal for circling swims and can be explored during rest times.
The largest inland body of water in Britain is calling you to its mystical shores.
3. Kailua Bay, Kona,Hawaii
No one needs to be told to go to Hawaii twice. Imagine wild swimming in crystal clear waters full of tropical fish dancing around beautiful coral reefs. It is a paradise on earth!
Kailua Bay is home to the Ironman world championship and has safety buoys in the water year round, making the bay easy to navigate.
The waters warm up to 26°C/79°F during the summer. Most people swim out of the bay and then let the waves carry them back. It is best to swim early in the morning for the calmest conditions and then spend the rest of your day sunbathing on the beach.
And while you are there, why not try scuba diving in Hawaii? With its warm, calm waters and abundant sea life, Hawaii is the perfect place for beginner divers.
4. Lake Geneva, Switzerland
What Switzerland lacks in coasts it makes up for in lakes. Lake Geneva, or Lac Léman, as it is officially known, sits on the borders of Switzerland and France and is the largest lake in the alps.
Depending on where you venture, you can see breathtaking snow peaked mountains or medieval castles.
The water quality is pristine and the temperature reaches up to a warm 25°C/77°F. Due to the size of the lake, crosswinds can create waves and more challenging swims on some days. Swimming competitions take place throughout the summer and there are plenty of beaches with dedicated swimming areas for casual swimmers.
All of which makes Lake Geneva a popular swimming destination and one of the top places to go diving in Switzerland as well.
One of the best things about open water swimming is spotting awesome underwater animals. Here are our Top 5 Places to Swim with Whale Sharks.
5. Barton SpringPools, Texas,USA
In the lone star state, open water swimmers can find an expansive 270m pool created by four underground natural springs. The pool areas have been boxed in to make an ideal freshwater training ground for open water swimmers wanting to improve their skills before heading to wilder waters.
Water temperature reaches up to 21°C/70°F and it is a hot spot in the summer, but the pools are open year round to swimmers.
A national nature reserve surrounds the pools, meaning you can discover wildlife, the fascinating history of the springs, or simply relax in nature after a long swim.
With multiple international airports to choose from in Texas, and direct flights from all over the world, now is a great time to explore Texas.
Love to travel? Here are 5 Unique Swimming Spotsyou might not have heard of.
6. Noosa MainBeach, Australia
There is a lot to love about Australia. Not only does the coast of Australia have endless aquatic activities available, but it is also home to vibrant cities and countless family-friendly activities.
For open water swimmers visiting the east coast, swimming at Noosa cannot be missed! The main beach faces north and offers gentle waves, making it great for swimmers learning to body surf their way back to shore.
During summertime, water temperatures are around 26°C/79°F. Set out bright and early to greet the day from the ocean as the sun rises - this is also the best swim time to avoid crowds.
Aside from the main beach, there are plenty of stunning bays and lakes in the area, which all offer their own unique swim experience and are waiting to be explored.
Summer is the best time to be outdoors in nature and enjoying those warm water swims you dream of in winter. It is a free activity that improves your physical and mental health, and being surrounded by beautiful scenery is good for your soul.
There are plenty of open water swimming competitions happening throughout summer all over the world. Even if you do not compete, open water swimming is a great way to meet like-minded people. So grab your swimwear and head outdoors to explore the lakes, rivers, and oceans our beautiful world has to offer this summer.
DISCOVER MORE TOP PLACES TO GO SWIMMING HERE.