Jharna’s special venues

Access to safe and natural water is what makes a swimming venue special for Jharna Kumawat, from savouring local favourites to finding spots while travelling

As an enthusiastic open water swimmer, I’m always on a look out for new local swim spots. 2025 has been an eventful year as I discovered some swim spots during a road trip in Europe and explored some local swim venues here in the UK. I guess carrying my swim kit always comes in handy. I remember passing through a lake on my way to a kids play area in Cologne, and I googled it to check whether it is swimmable. Twenty minutes later, I was swimming there and met some local German swimmers. This lake was free to swim in and there was a nearby play area and café (check out Hitdorfer See).

When I first started open water swimming, I wasn’t aware of swim venues where I had to pay a fee to swim. Over the last couple of years, I have seen an increase in open water swim venues such as lakes, cold plunges with sauna and water sports activities across mainland UK. It is certainly a great way to spend time outdoors and experience cold water dips or to swim in a controlled environment.

I live in Essex and have access to sea and lakes with active swim groups. My local swim spot West Mersea Island was featured on the Outdoor Swimmer cover back in May. It is a sand and shingle beach with views across the estuary. The water is sometimes muddy but if you time your swim to a slack tide then you are up for a treat. Mersea Island has regular cleanup drives around the seaside and their local population advocates for responsible water use so the next generation of swimmers can experience clean and safe swim environments.

These efforts extend to protecting wildlife inhabiting swimming areas. There is an increased awareness amongst swimmers about their impact on nature. For example, more swimmers now choose eco swimwear that lasts, avoid buying single use plastic and so on. This proactive approach not only enhances swimming experiences but also contributes to broader ecological health. I am grateful for the knowledge and sense of responsibility towards nature that comes with being an outdoor swimmer.

Another favourite swim spot of mine, and slightly outside of my county lines, is Felixstowe. The beach is ideal for swimming, backed by a promenade complete with traditional swim huts. If you are into long distance swimming, then Sealand to Felixstowe (an 8-mile swim) could be your next challenge. My swim coach, and OS magazine patron, Seamus Bennett successfully completed this swim in 2025, becoming the oldest solo swimmer to swim from Sealand to Felixstowe. It is a double treat for me to visit the Felixstowe leisure centre pool for an indoor swim followed by a sea swim.

A special mention to the Brightlingsea lido, which is right by the sea and run by volunteers. Due to resources and dependence on charity funding, it is only open in the summer months. The lido is very well managed and has a lovely café, which makes it an ideal day trip venue for families and individuals visiting the seaside town.

So, what makes these swim venues special? For me, it is the access to safe and natural waters. It is a luxury in the developing world where I come from. In India, access to clean drinking water can be a challenge, let alone swimming. In my articles, I have often talked about my hometown Udaipur, where the local council ensures the lakes are clean and local people can swim. However, it is not the same for heavily populated Indian cities with coastal waters that aren’t safe to swim in.

As I continue to be curious and explore more swim locations, are you tempted to swim outdoors this season? Maybe a Christmas or boxing day dip at your local swim spot?