As a swimmer, you likely have a deep appreciation for the beauty and vitality of water ecosystems. However, swimming in natural waters comes with a responsibility to help preserve these environments. From the materials in your gear to choosing reef-safe sunscreen, there are countless ways you can make eco-friendly choices and contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet. This guide explores practical tips for reducing your environmental impact as a swimmer while encouraging you to keep exploring.

1. Choose Sustainable Swim Gear.

The first step toward eco-friendly swimming begins with the gear you use. Many traditional swim products, from swimsuits to goggles, are made from non-biodegradable materials or are manufactured in ways that harm the environment. By choosing sustainable alternatives, you can significantly reduce your footprint.

Look for swimwear made from recycled materials such as Econyl, which repurposes waste like old fishing nets into durable fabric. Brands like Zoggs offer sustainable swimwear collections.

Invest in high-quality gear that lasts longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Look for goggles and caps made from sustainable materials or from companies that prioritize eco-friendly manufacturing processes.

Traditional sunscreens often contain chemicals harmful to marine life. Opt for reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the water.

2. Minimize Pollution in Natural Waters.

Swimming in open water can sometimes mean encountering litter and other pollutants. As a swimmer, you can take steps to reduce pollution and encourage cleaner water systems.

Whether you're swimming in the sea, a lake, or a river, collect the trash you see (being mindful not to pick up sharp or contaminated objects). A small mesh bag can be handy for collecting floating litter and bits of plastic.

Wash your swim gear with eco-friendly detergents and avoid rinsing off sunscreen or lotion directly in the water. Many UK dive centres and swim clubs organize regular beach and underwater cleanups. Visiting a local dive centre to participate in a cleanup is a fantastic way to make a tangible difference while connecting with fellow water lovers.

3. Support Clean Water Initiatives.

The UK is home to numerous organizations and projects dedicated to improving water quality in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. By supporting these initiatives, you help ensure cleaner and healthier swimming environments for future generations. Here are some of the top organizations to support:

The Rivers Trust: Join or donate to The Rivers Trust, which works to restore and protect rivers across the UK.
 

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS): Surfers Against Sewage campaigns for cleaner seas and organizes nationwide beach cleanups. Swimmers can volunteer or support their efforts by spreading awareness.
 

Local Waterway Projects: Look for initiatives near your favourite swimming spots. Many communities host events focused on removing debris, monitoring water quality, and restoring natural habitats.

4. Expand Your Connection to the Water.

Eco-friendly swimming is about more than just minimizing harm—it’s about fostering a deeper connection to lakes, rivers, and the ocean. By exploring other water activities like scuba diving and freediving, you can gain a greater appreciation for marine ecosystems and their fragility.

With no heavy equipment, freediving is one of the most eco-conscious ways to interact with the ocean. Freediving also teaches you to be more mindful of your breathing and movements, skills that can improve your swimming technique and reduce your impact on marine ecosystems.

5. Reduce Energy Use at Swimming Pools.

While natural waters are a swimmer’s paradise, pools remain a staple for training. Unfortunately, swimming pools can have a significant environmental impact due to energy use and chemical treatments. As an eco-conscious swimmer, you can help minimize these effects.

Showering before swimming reduces the oils, lotions, and other residues you bring into the pool, decreasing the demand for harsh chemical treatments. Advocate for energy-efficient heating and lighting systems at your local pool. Many pools in the UK are adopting solar panels, heat recovery systems, and other eco-friendly technologies. You can also reduce your carbon footprint by choosing greener transport options when traveling to and from the pool.

6. Protect Wildlife and Their Habitats.

Natural water environments are home to diverse species, from fish and birds to aquatic plants. Being mindful of your impact when swimming in these habitats is vital to preserving biodiversity.

Stay Clear of Nesting Areas: Avoid disturbing birds, turtles, or other wildlife, especially during nesting or breeding seasons.
 

Avoid Standing on Reefs: If you’re swimming in areas with coral reefs, be careful not to touch or stand on them. Coral is incredibly delicate and slow-growing, and even minor contact can cause significant damage.
 

Participate in Citizen Science: Join projects that allow you to contribute to wildlife conservation. Organizations like the Marine Conservation Society often run programs where swimmers can report sightings of marine life or invasive species.
 

7. Inspire Others.

Eco-friendly swimming isn’t just about personal choices—it’s also about inspiring others to care for the environment. By sharing your knowledge and passion, you can encourage fellow swimmers to adopt more sustainable habits. 

Whether you participated in a beach cleanup or switched to reef-safe sunscreen, share your story through social media, blogs, or community talks. Also, join an eco-conscious swim group. Many open-water swim clubs in the UK focus on environmental stewardship, helping you stay informed and involved.

If you’re involved in coaching or teaching swimming, incorporate environmental lessons into your sessions to inspire the next generation of eco-conscious swimmers.

8. Choose Eco-Friendly Travel.

For swimmers who enjoy traveling to new destinations, eco-friendly travel is essential. Whether you’re heading to the Cornish coast or a Mediterranean swim spot, look for hotels or guesthouses with eco-certifications or sustainability initiatives.

Many organizations offer carbon offset programs for travel. Use them to balance emissions from flights or long car journeys. Also, research local environmental initiatives at your destination and consider volunteering or donating.

Kathryn Curzon, a shark conservationist and dive travel writer for SSI (Scuba Schools International), wrote this article.