Taking the plunge: the open water swimming boom

Long-time listeners to the pod will know that Ed never ever talks about his swimming hobby, but the RTBC team have decided to indulge him - just this once, mind - and dedicate a *whole episode* to the boom in outdoor swimming. Whether you’re a seasoned wild swimmer, a winter dipper or a lido goer, there’s a huge number of reasons why you might like to step outside the indoor confines of your local swimming baths. We speak to Kate Rew and journalist - and former Hampstead Ponds lifeguard - Nell Frizzell about why they find outdoor swimming exhilarating, as well as how to avoid swimming in s**t. And Professor Mike Tipton is back to give us a health warning and plenty of advice on how to swim safely.

Plus: How should Geoff navigate the annual rotting gourd display?

Guests

Kate Rew, Founder, Outdoor Swimming Society and author of the Outdoor Swimmers’ Handbook (@kate_rew)

Professor Mike Tipton, Professor of Human and Applied Physiology, University of Portsmouth (@ProfMikeTipton)

Nell Frizzell, Journalist and Author of The Panic Years, Square One and Holding the Baby (@NellFrizzell)

More information

Check out the work of the Outdoor Swimming Society, including articles on how to stay well swimming and the 3% access myth

Buy a copy of the Outdoor Swimmers' Handbook

Watch a video of Mike immersing Chris van Tulleken into 12 degree water

Mike mentioned the Blue Tits swimming group

The Acta Physiologica article 'Effects of cold water on stress, cardiovascular and psychological variables'

Check out Nell's books and her essay about being a lifeguard at the Hampstead Ponds

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