A group of passionate “wild swimmers” went for a dip in the Cumberland Basin of Bristol Harbour this morning. 

The group swim was to commence a campaign that will make Bristol Harbour similar to others in Europe where the people of the city use their old ports for recreation.

It also emerged that the water in Bristol Harbour is often of an “excellent” standard for bathing water standards. 

This is despite the harbour being seen as “toxic” decades ago.

Johnny Palmer, who led the swim the this morning, said: “It occurred to me that we have an incredible body of water in the middle of our city. 

"It makes total sense for us to start the conversation about this becoming an accessible amenity for the people of bristol to use for physical health, mental health and to increase social capital.

“Wild swimming has been increasing in popularity for years, but since lockdown it has exploded in popularity.   

"People also want to connect with nature in an era when we are in an ecological emergency and wild swimming is the perfect way of doing this.”

What about safety?

The group of swimmers this morning took multiple safety precautions including looking out for boats, swimming in pairs, using slow entry breathing techniques and having lifesaving equipment on standby. 

“Done properly, wild swimming can be very safe, even safer than crossing the road.  One of the swimmers this morning pointed out that getting to Cumberland basin was vastly more dangerous than the swim itself,” said Johnny.

“There is clear evidence that wild and cold water swimming has considerable physical and mental health benefits.  Ask any wild swimmer!”

But not everything ran smoothly.   

The swimmers were told to exit the water by the Habour Master who said that “it is against the law”, which is believed to be a local by-law put in place by Bristol City Council to prevent people from swimming in the harbour on safety grounds. 

There are concerns over cold-water shock, risk of drowning and water quality. 

“I get it, the Harbour Master and other bureaucracies don't want swimming in the water of our city," said Johnny.  

"Many of their concerns are valid as there have been deaths and other serious incidents in the harbour. 

"With the right education, messaging and culture we can reduce these risks though - indeed, swimming the harbour can actually make it a safer place overall. 

"Simple things like regular simple training, having a designated area for swimming and zero alcohol can make it so much safer.”