July/August 2025 ‘Swim Careers’
Outdoor Swimmer Extra: Get the best of Outdoor Swimmer magazine online.
I never planned to have a career shaped by the water that involved a swimsuit almost daily. I never take a day of it for granted and while it sounds ideal, it can still be hard work and stressful, despite the blending of hobby, passion and work. While I get to swim often and in great places, sometimes swimming because I want to or the freedom to choose when to swim is lost. Once money is involved the needs of clients, customers and employers becomes a focus, so work, like in many other careers, can become repetitive and demanding. That said, the benefits far outweigh the negatives and working in the swimming world and aquatic industry has largely been one of the best periods of my career – long may it continue!
This month’s issue is a celebration of those who work in the industry. Those who have taught, coached or guided us in the water. Those who have worked to protect the water, environment or our access to it. It features people who are trying to solve problems in swimming and ensuring fair and open access to anyone, anywhere. We highlight swimwear creators, musicians, lifeguards and those who prevent drowning. It is a celebration of swimming and a demonstration that swimming, in all its forms, isn’t a passing trend or fashion, it is a movement and one that is set to change the world for the better.
This is a combined July and August issue, so it is a bit bigger. It is ideal to pack on your summer holiday and to consider the work you could do in swimming, either as a career or a volunteer. It is also packed with the usual favourites with gear reviews, training advice, travel inspiration and swimming entertainment.
Our next issue will come out in September.
Enjoy this month’s issue!
Ella Foote, Editor
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- How to keep that swim fit feeling!
After a swim event, it’s easy for training to slide. Engaging in active recovery, working on technique and trying something new can help keep you motivated. - Tackling doubt one stroke at a time
Nicola Shepherd has a natural affinity for breaststroke swimming, but often feels like the world is dominated by front crawl swimmers – here she tells us her story and takes part in the Oceanman Lago d’Orta - Making space for water
The Rivers Trust shares their new campaign calling for the creation and maintenance of a network of nature-rich river corridors across the entire UK - The lowdown on stretching
Stretching can be confusing – how much, how long, what type? Here’s a quick breakdown from personal trainer Liz Lowe, with suggestions for how and when to incorporate stretching into your routine. - How do I get back to open water swimming with long Covid?
GP and triathlete Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi has advice for balancing rest and movement when living with long Covid - Weekend swim retreat: Campwild Campout
Rowan Clarke packed her camping gear for a weekend of wild camping by a lake in the Malvern Hills - Creating magic and mayhem
Singer-songwriter BE tells Abigail Whyte about her new single ‘Swim Through’, a song dedicated to women of the water showcasing unity, strength and overcoming adversity - Building strength in open water
Mental Health Swims Community Engagement Manager Sarah Groves has moved her training outdoors and in new places - Turkish swimming plus Turkish hospitality
Simon Griffiths heads to Kemer in Turkey for a 3-day swimming holiday exploring the Lycian coast - Training for speed and shorter distances
How can we train effectively and what can we do to improve our speed without compromising our technique and overall performance? Nicola Butler has your guide - From lifeguard to leader
Johannes Pepperday tells the story of her full-circle summer at Canary Wharf If you’d told me a few years ago I’d be running one of the UK’s most unique urban open water swim venues, I wouldn’t have believed you. I started swimming lessons around seven years old, but my real love for the water didn’t kick in until I became a lifeguard. Inspired by my sister, Rose, I started lifeguarding at our local swimming pool – and in 2022, she encouraged me to try open water lifeguarding. That changed everything. When I joined the Love Open Water team at Canary Wharf, I found a community I didn’t know I needed. Suddenly, lifeguarding wasn’t just about poolside whistles – it was about kayaking alongside swimmers, chatting at the shoreline, and being part of something genuinely supportive. I even fell in love with cold water swimming and got deep into learning about its benefits for mental health. In 2023, I became a Duty Manager and everyone around me made space for me to grow, trust myself, and take on more responsibility. I left later that year to begin my Marine Engineering degree, but I’m back at Canary Wharf this summer — this time as Venue Manager. It feels like a full-circle moment. Becoming an open water lifeguard gave me purpose, confidence, and a community I’ll always be proud to be part of. Fun fact: My mum said I was first in the pool at 18 months – and that I enjoyed swimming but didn’t enjoy competitive swimming. That’s probably why I enjoy open water so much, as it’s more relaxed. For more information about the RLSS Open Water Lifeguard qualification, upcoming courses dates and to register your interest: nowca.orgFor news, updates and announcements, join the NOWCA Wild group: LifeguardsNOWCA Wild is free to download for iOS and Android: nowcawild.co.uk - My NOWCA journey from Swim Coach to Course Leader
Adam Comfort tells us about the exciting new chapter in his swimming career. - So, you want to be a swim guide?
Guiding swimmers in the water, around the world or locally in the UK sounds like a dream job, but what does it take to be a swim guide and is it as great as it looks? Ella Foote shares what it is like when swimwear is your workwear - Sophie Etheridge: my work journey
Adaptive swimmer Sophie Etheridge reveals her journey to becoming a poolside and open water coach - It’s all going swimmingly for Vassos Alexander
Sometimes the dreams that get away make the best books, as Simon Griffiths finds out from sports presenter Vassos Alexander during a swim in the Thames - Swimmable Cities: the urban swimming movement
The first Swimmable Cities summit was held in Rotterdam in the Netherlands last month. It started with a ‘big splash’ on International Bathing Day. Ella Foote jumped in and discovered there is hope for our waterways. - How to get ready for swimming in rough water
It’s a mental as much as a physical thing, says Simon Griffiths - Need a wetsuit repair? Meet Rooted Ocean
The longer we can keep our gear going, the less we need to produce, say Lee Newby who runs a makers and repairers brand from Bude, North Cornwall - Best swimming ear plugs (and alternatives)
Prevent water and bacteria from entering the ear canal and reduce the chance of ‘swimmer’s ear’ with our pick of the best ear plugs – and alternatives for those who don’t like to wear ear plugs - The best sunscreen for swimming
What’s the best sunscreen for outdoor swimmers? We put nine sun lotions, mineral sunscreens and zinc sun sticks to the test - A wilder life
Daniel Allen-Hörnfeldt tells Rowan Clarke how he rewilded his career for a better life in Sweden - Bold waters
Rowan Clarke talks to Melona Headley about empowering disadvantaged young people through swimming - What’s the most eco-friendly wetsuit material?
Making ethical choices when it comes to wetsuit materials can be a minefield. It’s often a careful balance of weighing up what matters to you and where you’re prepared to spend – or compromise. We’ve put together a glossary of wetsuit materials, so you can make up your own mind. - Sustainable swimming kit
Looking for durable swimming kit that’s made with recycled or surplus materials, without compromising on performance? Look no further! - Make the dream work
How does it feel to combine your career with your passion? Rowan Clarke finds out. - The joys of a swim career
Simon Griffiths reflects on the joys and benefits of working in swimming
