
In Scotland, swimmers have a clear right to swim which goes alongside their right to roam. This means you can swim freely in open spaces. The law about swimming outdoors is unclear in England and Wales. Until the law is clarified, as long as you are not trespassing, then you can swim in most public places and open spaces.
Please support our campaign for clearer legal access by becoming a member of the OSS and spreading the word to others: the more members we have, the greater our voice. The OSS Inland Access Group, run by Rob Aspey and Chris Dalton, has helpful information for members wishing to campaign for local swimming access, and its members have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Get in touch via this website.
There are other good campaign groups such as RALSA and River Access for All; join and add your swimmer’s voice.
Always be polite, courteous and non-confrontational to other water users and landowners. The fact the law is grey may lead them to presume that they can forbid you from swimming, when they may not. A non-heated explanation will do far more good than confrontation.
Always be polite, courteous and non-confrontational to other water users and landowners. The fact the law is grey may lead them to presume that they can forbid you from swimming, when they may not. A non-heated explanation will do far more good than confrontation.