Open water swimming is becoming increasingly popular in the Dales – but is it safe? Is it allowed? And is splashing about in freezing cold water actually fun?

There are so many beautiful rivers, lakes and tarns in Craven, and with the glorious weather we’ve been having this summer, it can be tempting just to leap in.

Emma Colley, 34, from Embsay, has been open water swimming since last year. She said: “I’m amazed how many people are open water swimming.

“I started open water swimming last year to be able to do the Great North Swim. My friend had asked me the year before and I thought it was terrifying – there are things in the water, and it’s really deep and it’s cold – I thought about it and I thought no. Then I took a vow that I was going to say ‘yes’ to life and then she asked me again and I had to say yes!

“I started swimming with Craven Energy, the triathlon club, who were swimming up at Coniston. The first time I went in I don’t think I realised how nervous I was – I was breathing far too fast and felt really tense. After the second time I was totally hooked and just loved it.

“You can be walking at the side of a lake and you can see the landscape and how beautiful it is, but if you’re swimming, you’re part of that landscape, like being in a picture rather than looking at a picture. You get so much peace and calm.”

It’s not always easy to find places to swim which are safe and unrestricted. Favourites in the area include Capernwray, Semerwater, Grassington and Malham Tarn – although recently the National Trust have put up signs at Malham warning swimmers off due to weeds and algae.

The Craven Energy club has had trouble finding places to organise coached swimming sessions this year – the club’s regular venue at Coniston Cold is out of action due to the lake being drained whilst a repair took place. There were also plans to swim at Burwain Sailing Club but the Canals and Rivers Trust objected to it.

Pauline Squire, 44, is an open water swimming coach who swims and teaches all over the Dales.

She said: “It’s getting more and more popular. The Olympics has played its part in it, and with people’s budgets disappearing families are saying they can’t afford to go to the pool, so they’ll go to the lake instead.”

But she says there are sometimes problems with finding places to swim. “There are a lot of places that are restricted – if it’s reservoirs, there are obviously massive health and safety issues there.

“A lot of places now, there’s a lot of signage going up that potentially isn’t fully legal – we always query it if it’s not been put up by the council or the police. There is an anti-swimmer brigade out there. A lot of it is about health and safety – it’s about us educating people that we’re able to do things properly.”

Pauline says there have been a number of deaths in the UK this summer but most tragedies happen when people are inexperienced in open water swimming.

“If you’re going to try it, then try it with someone who’s experienced,” she said. “It’s about educating people and saying ‘This is really wonderful and it’s highly addictive, but do it safely so you can do it another day.’”

Emma agrees and said: “It’s really important to always swim with at least one other person, ideally two others. It’s good to go somewhere with somebody who’s been to that location before, so they know about the currents and the depth of the water.

“If it’s your first open water swim, try and swim somewhere where you can touch the bottom. Try not to swim in water that looks filthy and algae-ridden.

“If people can go and swim in a coached session first, that’s a great idea. Swim with a brightly coloured cap, so people can see you, and stay together as a group – keep people buddied-up.”

The Royal Life Saving Society UK issued warnings after a number of swimming deaths in the UK this summer. RLSS UK chief executive, Di Standley said: “We want people to enjoy water, but safely and sensibly – using their common sense and listening to advice.”

There are about 260 accidental drowning deaths in inland waters in Britain each year.

The Environment Agency also linked up with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to produce the popular website watersafetykids.co.uk, and has issued 10 tips to ensure people stay safe around water. They are:

• Don’t jump or dive into rivers – the depth is uncertain and there can be unseen dangers in the water.

• Be aware of strong currents and don’t go into water near weirs, locks, pipes and sluices.

• Take notice of safety information, warning signs and flags.  Know what they mean and do as they advise.

• Water can be very cold no matter what time of year. Cold water can quickly cause cramp and breathing problems making it difficult to swim.

• Keep away from the river’s edge and supervise young children. Drowning can occur very quickly, even in shallow water.

• Wear the recommended safety equipment for your activity, such as life jackets and helmets.

• Airbeds, inner tubes and other floatation devices can easily be carried or blown into deep water and may not keep you afloat.

• Consuming alcohol may impair your ability and judgment when on or in water.

• Get trained in lifesaving and resuscitation techniques. Know what to do in an emergency.

• Teach children to swim and not to go into water alone, or unsupervised.  Always ensure someone knows where you are and what you’re doing.

Here’s what to do if you see someone in difficulties:

• Get help: Ring 999 or get someone else to. If you are on your own without a mobile phone, shout for help if people are nearby, or go and get help.

• Think: Of your own safety first. Don’t go into the water to rescue someone – you may get in trouble too.

• Reach: A stick, scarf or clothes tied together can help you reach the person. Crouch or lie down to avoid being pulled into the water.

• Throw: A rope is best – you can pull the person to dry land. If you don’t have rope, throwing something in that will float, such as a ball, a plastic bottle or a lifebuoy, will help keep the person afloat until help arrives.

• Keep warm: once rescued, keep the casualty warm and ensure they get medical help as soon as possible.