Ocean Conservation and Sustainable Swimming

With plenty of spring sunshine and warmer weather, for adventurous travelers the allure of swimming in the great outdoors is both an inviting prospect and a healthy pursuit. In recent years, the popularity of outdoor swimming has grown alongside a greater appreciation for our beaches, coastal areas, and all natural open bodies of water. In turn, there has been a growing respect and widening concern for ocean conservation.

While sustainable travel is possible, enthusiastic outdoor swimmers can sign up for a variety of marine conservation projects to learn ways to protect marine ecosystems and preserve the natural beauty, biodiversity, and health of the world’s seas and coastal regions. 

This article delves into the importance of preserving our natural waters and how to be a sustainable swimmer who can support and advocate ocean conservation.

Respect Oceans and Marine Life

With the world’s oceans covering 70% of the planet, understanding ocean conservation is now fundamental. As the popularity of swimming outdoors grows, it carries with it a renewed responsibility to care for the sea and be a sustainable swimmer with a greater appreciation for conservation and marine protection. 

From an individual perspective, your actions when swimming might include keeping seas and beaches unpolluted, avoiding the use of single-use plastics, participating in beach clean-ups whenever possible, and advocating for protected marine areas. 

On a wider scale, ocean conservation will look at united ways for governments, community programs, and global businesses to stop overfishing, lessen overtourism, and mitigate further damage to oceans and marine habitats. By respecting and preserving our beaches and oceans, being a swimmer is a chance to ensure these natural resources remain healthy and pristine for the future generations.

Surge in Popularity of Outdoor Swimming

More and more of you are attracted by the exhilarating idea of swimming in open water and of travelling to discover invigorating swim spots both at home and abroad. Also known as ‘wild swimming,’ the trend, especially to plunge into natural cold water, has surged in popularity thanks to its mix of health and social benefits.

In addition to its cardiac benefits as a form of physical exercise, the therapeutic benefits of cold water swimming have been well-documented in recent years. From improving circulation and reducing anxiety to lowering feelings of depression, the initial shock of cold water is reported to trigger endorphins and give swimmers a well-being boost. For young travelers, outdoor swimming also offers a unique chance to explore great locations, appreciate the raw beauty of coastal settings, and connect more to nature.

Combine Swims with Volunteer Programs

While the excitement of wild swimming is undeniable, it’s important to combine your swim adventures with sustainable habits and activities that fight climate change. Engaging with local conservation efforts will give you a greater understanding of the ecological impact of your swims. Be mindful of following sustainable swim practices from the swimwear you use to avoiding chemicals in sunscreen, and clearing up trash whenever you leave a beach. These are all ways to ensure your wild swimming passion remains a positive force for good.

Wherever you are, commit to respect a natural coastal spot by following the ‘leave no trace’ principles and support local communities or projects taking place when you’re there. By looking after these natural waters and embracing rules of conservation, you’ll ensure wild swims are beneficial for you and the planet. 

Connect to Natural Blue Zones

Wild swimming's popularity isn't just a trend but a healthy, outdoor passion that helps connect you more to nature. Being immersed in nature takes you away from your busy day-to-day life providing a charge to mentally reset and reinforce that all important connection to the environment. For young adventurers, the health benefits of blue spaces are increasingly seeking out hobbies and outdoor pursuits that deepen their connection with nature.

Similarly, once you’re swimming or dipping in an ocean, there’s a sense of peace and well-being that can be experienced even if you’re in for a few minutes. In turn, this connection encourages you to appreciate what makes beaches and sea swimming so special, from the shells and marine life you might see to being barefoot in the sand, and enjoying the fresh sea air. 

Protect Precious Swim Spots and Shorelines

Finding the perfect spot for a wild swim is a large part of the adventure. When searching for swim locations, do your research online and speak to local guides, lifeguards, and fellow swimmers in the area. If you’re visiting Barcelona, Lisbon, Croatia, or somewhere else in the world where the seas are beautiful, learning about marine conservation in that location while swimming is a fantastic way to combine your love of traveling, adventures, and ocean experiences with a worthwhile cause. 

Likewise, Impact Surf Camps at stunning coastal locations are great voluntary experiences that combine the chance to finesse surfing techniques, and participate in valuable beach conservation projects.

Be Safe Wherever You Swim

However, the urge to jump into any appealing body of water should be tempered with research and respect for the local environment. The thrill of discovering and diving into unknown waters can be tempting, but it carries risks, particularly in unfamiliar or remote locations. To be a safe outdoor swimmer, it’s important to check out the local tides, currents, and weather conditions wherever you are in the world, before you swim, to ensure your chosen spots are safe. 

Being aware of the sea conditions when you’re swimming or surfing somewhere unfamiliar is paramount during excursions or volunteering abroad. Always assess the safety of natural swim spots, avoid diving into unknown waters, and be wary of hazards such as underwater currents and rocks. If you’re off on an arctic adventure or swimming somewhere you know is cold, pack a thick wetsuit, the right thermal caps, gloves, and boots.

The general rule of thumb is to swim a minute for every degree and learn about the cold water response of your body. If it’s extremely cold, gradually acclimatize your body to colder to avoid cold water shock. After your sea swim, maintain your body temperature by staying active and using dry robes or thermal blankets to warm up.

 

To learn more about ocean conservation and explore extra-special swim spots, volunteering abroad can be a great opportunity to combine both. It is also an educational experience where you can acquire new skills, grow as an individual, and meet new people from around the world.