The open water community has doubled since 2017

A new report highlighting the economic and social benefits of outdoor activity in the UK recognises the continued rise of wild swimming, with more than four million adults now swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea each year

It should come as no surprise that physical activity in the outdoors is good for our physical and mental health, while also instilling strong community connection and environmental awareness.

A new report, Reconomic 3.0 – sponsored by Swim England – has also found that access to the UK’s green and blue spaces generates economic value through creating jobs, saving NHS resources and driving spending on outdoor leisure.

The report also highlights that participation in outdoor recreation continues to grow, with 34.3 million people of all ages now engaging in outdoor activities, an increase of more than 3.1 million participants over the past decade.

A tonic for the nation’s wellbeing

The report also recognises the continued rise of open water swimming, with more than four million adults now swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea each year.

In 2016-17, around 266,000 adults swam regularly in lakes, rivers or the sea; by 2023–24, this number had more than doubled to 543,000.

In the report, a member of the Bluetits Chill Swimmers described year-round sea swimming: “the second I hit that cold water, everything shifted – the chill snaps you into the moment. No racing thoughts, no overthinking, just breathing, moving, and soaking up the sea and sky.”

The scale of engagement is even more impressive: more than 4 million adults take to lakes, rivers, and seas each year. This surge demonstrates the growing recognition of open water swimming as a fun, accessible, and rewarding way to stay active and connect with nature.

Outdoor recreation is growing

The report has found that 3.1 million more people are engaging in outdoor recreation compared to 10 years ago. This growth has been driven by the emergence of adventure activities, such as paddle boarding (SUPing), open water swimming, bouldering, and fell running.

According to the study, the people engaging with outdoor recreation has become increasingly diverse.

The 75+ age category has seen 45% growth in engagement over the last 10 years. Those aged 55-74 have grown by 35%, compared to an average growth of 25% across all age groups. Those aged 16-34 are most likely to engage at 37%.

Female engagement (26%) has grown faster than male (23%) over the last 10 years.

In regards to ethnicity, White Other’ (35%), ‘Mixed’ (32%), and Chinese (30%), are more likely to engage than ‘White British’ (29%) ethnicities. Despite the lowest engagement (16%), ‘Black’ ethnic groups have seen the greatest growth, increasing participation by 38%.

Value beyond numbers

The report states that engagement in outdoor recreation generates substantial value to society across a range of different areas, the impact of which cannot easily be reflected in numbers. These benefits are no less crucial when considering the overarching value of outdoor recreation to the nation.

A deeper connection to nature, strengthened communities and awareness of cultural heritage across the UK are key benefits highlighted in the report.

Lisa Wainright MBE, CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, says of the research: “This report arrives at a critical time. As we face growing challenges around public health, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion, outdoor recreation offers a powerful, accessible solution. The findings show that outdoor recreation is not only a major economic driver, especially in rural areas but also a vital contributor to mental and physical health, community connection, and environmental awareness.”

“Let this report be more than a document, it should be a call to action,” Lisa continues. “A call to protect and promote outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of a healthier, happier, and more resilient nation.”