The Health Risks of Wild Swimming

Wild swimmers are particularly vulnerable to the risks posed by water contamination due to their direct and prolonged exposure to potentially polluted environments. For regular swimmers, the unpredictability of Scottish rainfall affecting sewage overflow events can create frustration and diminish trust in local authorities to manage water safety effectively. Moreover, the potential health risks threaten to overshadow the physical and mental benefits associated with wild swimming, potentially limiting its appeal (1). Natural bodies of water can harbor a range of pathogens such as protozoa (e.g., Cryptosporidium and Giardia), viruses, and bacteria (like Salmonella). In healthy individuals, the immune system typically mounts an effective response to small exposures, but higher concentrations of these pathogens can overwhelm even robust defenses, leading to gastroenteritis, skin rashes, or more serious illnesses. There is also a risk of more severe infections caused by micro-organisms such as E.coli O157 which may cause severe gastrointestinal illness and leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), which can cause liver and kidney problems (2). For people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions, the risk is more pronounced, and entering contaminated water can quickly translate into severe infections.