By Emily Barber, Matthew I. Mackay, Antonina Mikocka-Walus, Ashlee Linck, Arlene Walker, Subhadra Evans.

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We explored what wild swimming means to people who swim in natural waters along Victoria’s coast. Research shows that being in nature can improve mood, reduce stress, and help people feel more connected. While green spaces like forests have been widely studied, less is known about the benefits of blue spaces, especially in Australia.

Using an anonymous survey, we aimed to understand the personal meaning and mental health benefits of this activity. These insights could inform low-cost, nature-based approaches to support community wellbeing. Participants comprised 47 wild swimmers (31 women, 15 men, 1 non-binary person, mean age = 55.5. Participants answered demographic items and five open-ended, qualitative questions about wild swimming. Swimmers found wild swimming meaningful because it promoted wellbeing by: (I) allowing continuity of a ‘swimmer’ identity; (II) promoting positive mood states and possibly facilitating swimmers to feel energised, calm, meditative, focused, authentic, and masterful; (III) aiding physical fitness, healthy ageing, and physical pleasure; (IV) enhancing social connectedness as swimmers formed friendships and communities; and (V) fostering nature connectedness as swimmers communed with and observed their sea surrounds. The findings indicate that Victorian wild swimmers, like their counterparts elsewhere, value wild swimming because of the ways in which it fosters wellbeing.

Among the first to explore wild swimming in Victoria, Australia, this study contributes to a growing body of research that suggests engaging in blue space promotes wellbeing. Overall, wild swimming may have potential as a strategy for improving wellbeing in the wider population. As an activity that cultivates social connectedness, it could form part of a social prescription for those identified as being at risk of loneliness. Additionally, wild swimming may have potential as a complementary, nature-based therapeutic intervention.