A democratic activity

When Jharna Kumawat first started outdoor swimming, she didn’t realise access to safe water was such a huge issue but today it is important for her swimming

I first came across the Right to Swim campaign via a social media post from an East Anglia based outdoor swimmer Imogen Radford. The post was inviting people to meet for a dip, calling for access. At the time (back in 2020), I was new to outdoor swimming and I didn’t question if access and water safety was an issue. I used to swim in the River Stour and one morning I remember walking across the fields to the entry point when I came across a ‘No Swimming’ sign, and graffiti next to it saying ‘WHY?’

As outdoor swimmers, the first thing we learn is to swim at our own risk. At any new swim spot, I always check safe entry and exit points and try to swim with a group of people. But the ‘no swim’ sign made me wonder, if public access to natural water bodies is a debatable topic. I started researching the Right to Swim campaign and, to my surprise, the basic act of entering the water has never been more contested.

Swimming is not a luxury. It is one of the most democratic activities we have: no special equipment required, no membership fees, no status barriers. Just water and the willingness to step in.

For me, access to safe, clean bathing water means I can swim with my friends and children. Yes, there are swim venues where you pay for access – but what about our local swim spots? When access to water becomes a privilege, we lose something vital: a sense of community and a shared public cause.

The problem is not simply one of fairness – it is one of public health. Swimming is one of the most accessible ways to stay active, especially for people with disabilities, chronic pain or limited mobility. I speak from experience; as a Type-1 diabetic, open water swimming is a stress buster and spending time in nature makes me (momentarily) forget about the pains of living with a long-term condition. When communities lack safe public places to swim, there is a risk of losing community spirit and a chance to stay active without making a dent in your pocket.

Then there’s the environmental dimension. I have seen a surge in news reports relating to untreated sewage being dumped in our water bodies. Surfers Against Sewage is one of the other organisations that caught my attention. Often people ask me if I’m worried about my health when swimming outdoors. The answer isn’t as straightforward; I do worry about it, but I’m grateful that in my area (north east Essex), the water quality is reportedly “good”.

Every year popular swim events get called off due to concerns of climate-driven algae blooms, water quality concerns or inadequate wastewater infrastructure.

Defending the right to swim also means standing up for access for children with additional needs. Swimming is a life skill and easier to learn when young. Charitable organisation Level Water supports children with disabilities to learn swimming and develop confidence in the water. The charity depends on open water swimming events to raise funds to operate their swim programme. Last year one of Level Water’s events got cancelled due to heavy rain and concerns of flooding.

Of course, safety matters. No one is arguing for reckless or unregulated access. But too often, safety is used not as a tool for protection, but as a blanket justification to keep people out of public spaces. Sensible safety policies – such as lifeguard staffing, warning systems, and swim education – empower people to enjoy water responsibly rather than cutting off access altogether.

People should not have to choose between taking a refreshing swim and risking their health. Protecting the right to swim will not fix all our problems, but it will give us a sense of purpose and freedom. And that to me is something worth defending.