Wild swimmers in Scotland can look forward to a new online tool designed to help them find and share information on wild swimming locations in Scotland.
The five-month project, which is expected to be completed in early 2022, is being developed by The University of the Highlands and Islands and SwimWild, a company which promotes confidence and skill building on open water.
As a result of the pandemic, people in the UK have taken to wild swimming in unprecedented numbers. Proponents of wild swimming point to studies suggesting it lowers blood pressure and even help with symptoms of depression.
SwimWild founder Alice Goodridge told the BBC that in addition to promoting the benefits of wild swimming, the emphasis of the resource will be on safety.
"I am constantly being asked about safe swim locations and local swim groups as well as general safety information regarding swimming outdoors,” said Goodrich, adding "I think a portal that can help people find the answers they are looking for and provide better access to location-based information about swim safety in Scotland is severely lacking at the moment."
This past summer saw a series of tragic drownings take place in Scotland’s lochs as well as offshore.
The project has received funding from the Scottish government and will give users an opportunity to share information on the accessibility of swimming locations, and also rate their experience.
For another resource, check out our guide to wild swimming equipment for more details on how to build your kit.
