Health risks
Anyone can become unwell from swimming in any open water as there will always be micro-organisms present. The risk of becoming ill depends on various factors:
- children and novice swimmers are more likely to swallow water accidentally
- those with an impaired immune system are more susceptible to infection
- those swimming in rivers and estuaries are more likely to become unwell
- heavy rainfall can wash harmful bacteria from agricultural land, urban areas and sewage to rivers, seas and bathing waters and affect water quality
Reducing the risk of getting ill
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of illness when swimming in open waters.
Before you swim
There are a number of things you should consider including:
- choosing the location carefully and avoid bathing on higher risk days such as after heavy rain/storms, in water with blue-green algal blooms or scums in freshwaters
- covering cuts, scratches or sores with a waterproof plaster before swimming
- wearing appropriate protective clothing such as a wetsuit, gloves or protective footwear
While you are swimming
Remember to:
- avoid stream water running across the beach
- try to avoid swallowing or splashing water into your mouth
- observe local safety advice
After swimming
Following the swim, you can minimise the risk of becoming ill by:
- cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and water ensuring that all wet sand is removed from hands before eating or handling food
- thoroughly cleaning cuts or abrasions using soap and water
- handle your wetsuit with care after use. Rinse it with clean water as soon as is practicable after swimming.
Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling or cleaning your wetsuit. Allow the suit to dry thoroughly before reuse.
What to do if you become unwell
If you do become unwell with diarrhoea or any other symptoms, seek medical help and let them know you have been open water swimming. Do not swim again until you have had no diarrhoeal symptoms for at least 48 hours, or for a longer period if advised by a doctor.
Storm Overflow Maps
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has developed a map that provides near real-time information about the activity of storm overflow activity at designated bathing waters.
It does not give information on water quality, however the map is another resource people can check to help them make informed decisions on when and where to swim.
Storm overflow map | Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (dwrcymru.com)