5 Must-Have Apps for Outdoor Swimmers in the UK.
It's amazing how quickly technology is advancing these days! With so many apps available, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones are best for planning your next outdoor swim in the UK, but don't worry, we've got you covered! Check out these 5 helpful apps that will make your outdoor swimming adventures even better.
Weather Apps
WillyWeather
Despite the urge to smirk at the cheeky name when opening the app, we find it to be a really helpful tool when checking the conditions before going out for a swim. Valuable information provided within the app includes weather forecasts, tide times, swell height and period forecasts, as well as sunrise/sunset and moon phase data. The app generates data using sources including Met Office data.
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/willyweather/id592978502
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/detailsid=au.com.willyweather&hl=en_GB&gl=US
Windy
The Windy app is a powerful professional weather app, created for water and wind sports. The app provides weather forecasts, a live wind map, and local weather reports. Sea swimmers will find great use from features of the app including wave height and swell, live wind strength and direction data.
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1161387262
Android: https://www.windy.com/-Menu/tools?51.496,-0.122,5
River Flow
The RiverApp
For river swimmers, the RiverApp allows you to check the river level at your local swim spot. The data from the app will help to give you an idea of whether the flow is suitable for swimming in the river. The app is free to download however, it can be useful to pay for the Premium version to look at historical data beyond 2 days.
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/app/riverapp/id667012473
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.android.riverapp
Sewage alerts
Safer Seas and Rivers
Unfortunately, the release of sewage into UK rivers and seas is a concern for all sea and river swimmers in the UK. The Safer Seas and Rivers app developed by Surfer's Against Sewage (SAS), provides live information on recent sewage releases at your local swim spot. Additionally, the app allows users to report evidence of pollution, sewage spills, and other environmental issues that threaten the health of our seas and beaches. The app encourages water users to campaign for improved water quality by providing easy to use templates to contact local MP and water company CEOs.
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/safer-seas-rivers-service/id1458786821
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.org.sas.saferseasservice&hl=en_GB
Swim location
What Three Words
This app is a unique and innovative way to locate and share precise locations. It divides the world into 57 trillion 3-meter squares and assigns each square a unique three-word address. With this app, you can easily navigate to your desired location, whether it's a hidden swimming spot or a car park at the beginning of a swim hike. The app is a great tool for sharing your location with friends and is also used by emergency services in case of an accident.
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/what3words/id657878530
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.what3words.android&hl=en_GB
We hope that you find some of these apps helpful when going out for a swim. While apps like these can certainly be helpful in making decisions about your swim, they should not be relied upon as the sole means of determining the safety of a swimming spot. It's crucial to do your own research and make informed decisions based on factors like water depth, currents, and potential hazards. Additionally, it's always a good idea to swim with a buddy and to never enter the water if you are unsure of the conditions. By taking these precautions and being mindful of safety, you can enjoy a refreshing and invigorating swim while minimising the risks.
