Over recent years, open water swimming has seen a surge in popularity - and for good reason. As well as boosting both mental and physical health, many people report they enjoy the adventure and fun aspect to bracing the outdoors.

Thinking of taking the plunge? We spoke to our very own Becky Ellis, who was part of of 2024 #TeamRLSSUK at Swim Serpentine. She gives us her insights on getting (safely) started, maintaining motivation and becoming a boss at fundraising.

   

What made you want to sign up to Team RLSS UK at Swim Serpentine 2024?

I have swum different distances (swim ‘waves’) at the swim serpentine in previous years and always loved the atmosphere at the event. The safety team are efficient but welcoming too, the camaraderie between swimmers is fun and friendly. There is a ‘competition’ element between some swimmers but for most it is a fun challenge to do, whatever your reasons for doing it. I’ve met some great people with such diverse backgrounds and heard such amazing stories behind their motivation as to why they were doing their Serpentine Swim.

For someone like me, who although competitive with myself, don’t like swim events that focus on competition and swim times (it’s just not for me) the Swim Serpentine is the perfect swim event.

Added to which it is a lovely venue to attend with family and friends, who are not swimming but there to support, as spectators can stand around the whole of the lake. This definitely adds to the atmosphere and keeps you going.

  

How did you manage your training? Was it hard to fit in sessions and how do you stay motivated?

For me, I have to say that being motivated to swim is not an issue. It’s the one activity that I’ve always enjoyed, I was always the family’s ‘water baby’ from an early age and the water will always be a part of my life, I can’t imagine life without swimming, especially in open water, which is my main passion. That and for the last few winters, cold-water swimming too.

But even for me, to get the distance in, as I was training for the longest event, the 10km  ‘Super Six Swim Event’, this meant trying to fit in bigger swims which can be hard to do around work and everyday life. But I find having a goal like this is an amazing motivator and the feeling of achievement when you are at that finish line is incredible, plus the reward of drink/food whilst relaxing with friends afterwards. I found arranging swims with friends was another thing that kept me motivated and on ‘track’ as swimming itself can be a bit of a ‘lonely’ sport, especially if swimming a long way and so having friends to meet before, after or at intervals along the way makes it much more fun. Plus, by supporting one another, it feels more like a team event than a solo one and keeps you going. Its much easier to give up if you feel on your own.

Undertaking a swim event for charity added another dimension to everything, it definitely motivated me more as it wasn’t just me I was doing it for, but was for the people that had sponsored me too and for RLSS UK, the charity for which I was ultimately swimming. Feeling like I was making a difference in some way was a reason to keep going both when training and on the day!!

 

Do you have any tips for someone wanting to try outdoor swimming? Where should they start?

I’d always advise people to find a lake that runs organised swim sessions overseen by a safety team. No-one should swim in open water on their own and especially if they are new to it. Lakes that run organised sessions will be able to advise new swimmers on what to expect and also keep an eye on them. They will be able to loan equipment, such as floats, describe their use and even advise on things like what to expect when swimming in cold water, as being in the UK, the water is cold, even in summer months. They can also advise on things like wetsuits - whether to have one or not, and where to buy them. It’s a fantastic way to meet other swimmers too, who will often want to share advice and tips, as all outdoor swimmers will. In my experience, it is a very supportive world to belong to.

Most lakes will also run ‘introductory courses’ which are great for people new to swimming in lakes/rivers, as often groups are kept small, which helps alleviate any fears and calm any nerves. One-to-one courses are often available too. Swimming outdoors in both rivers and lakes is so different to indoor pool or even outdoor pool/lido swimming, this shouldn’t be underestimated, sea swimming is different again. The temperature, the changing environment, not being able to see the bottom, all have an impact and so experiencing this beforehand will make it a much more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

   

What advice would you give to anyone trying to successfully fundraise for a challenge?

Start fundraising as early as you can. Website sponsor pages are great but anything you can do to add to this all helps; we don’t all have rich friends/family 😉 So, things like keeping a blog/diary of swims can help so people can see the effort you are putting in are motivators for people to pledge funds, plus information about the work of the charity you are raising money for.

If there is a special personal motivation for the charity event you are doing, this helps connect people to what you are doing, and they will therefore be more motivated to support you. But I think one of the most important things I have learnt, that I need to take forward for future charity events, is to ‘think outside of the box’ and do additional things such as organising evenings with friends with activities that would encourage sponsorship or things like bake sales, anything fun that gives something back to people, rather than just asking for money. It also helps to make that side of things more fun too, but you need to start early, to have time to plan.

 

What makes you want to support RLSS UK?

Water Safety can sound such an obvious thing, but working for the charity has opened my eyes as to the impact that the lack of knowledge about this can have. Sadly, far too many people, especially young people, lose their lives every year because they didn’t know of the dangers. The impact on family members left behind is devastating. I’ve always loved the water, being in it or by it and I strongly believe that everyone should have the right to experience this in a safe way. No life should be lost to drowning, only through educating people will lives be saved. Therefore, I will always support, where I can, the work that RLSS UK do.

  

Feeling inspired by Becky to take on your own challenge? Go to our fundraising pages for more ideas!

Take on a Fundraising Challenge

Get more tips on how to stay safe open water water swimming, including our two week sponge to plunge home plan:

Open Water Safety Tips