As summer begins, many people might feel the urge to take the dip into cool waters - like ponds, lakes or the beach.
And while it is a fun and interesting hobby, wild swimming also has a host of health benefits.
Lee Heard, charity director at Royal Life Saving Society UK, said: "The benefits of swimming and dipping in open water are well documented.
"Not only does being in or on open water allow new adventure, it also has documented benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing."
Research found that 33 per cent of people would turn to wild swimming to find relief from aches and pains, according to Next.
Also, 28 per cent of the people in the study facing stress would see it as a remedy to their mental health.
Ella Foote, founder of The Dip Advisor and author of How to Wild Swim: What to Know Before Taking the Plunge: "Many of us only swim outdoors during the summer season."
She added: "Learning to swim at some point in your life isn’t enough and being a fit, healthy person on dry land isn’t the same as being water fit."
According to the RLSS, there were 226 deaths in the UK from accidental drownings last year.
Lee Heard added: "The basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of the hazards, can increase the enjoyment of open water and significantly reduce the number of incidents that occur each year."
Read on below for what you should be taking into consideration when going wild swimming in Scotland.
Keep and eye out for lifeguards
Lee Heard says: "There are a great number of open-water sites which are lifeguarded and we would urge people to go to lifeguarded venues if they are looking to take part in open water swimming."
You can use the RNLI website to find a beach near you that is lifeguarded.
He continued: "Lifeguards are trained professionals who can ensure your safety whilst out on the water and provide assistance should you need it.
"There are also a number of organised events around the country which have lifeguards on duty, so we urge people to attend those events."
Check the water conditions
When swimming without a lifeguard, people should be aware of potential risks when entering the water.
Heard said: "If swimmers are aware of the potential risks and dangers, then this enables them to do a risk assessment before entering the water.
"The depth of the water – this changes and is unpredictable; underwater objects and hazards may not be visible; strong currents can rapidly sweep people away; and uneven banks and river beds."
Ella Foote added: "The weather is more changeable in coastal areas; wind can make a huge difference in the sea and how it behaves.
"If you plan a river swim it is worth remembering that water travels faster when a river is shallow, narrow or after spells of heavy rain."
Understand your own limits
When entering the cold water, you have to be careful and understand what your body is capable of before diving in.
Foote explains: "Can you tread water while keeping your head above the water? Can you float on your back? Could you swim 25 meters without stopping?
"These are the very basic skills for keeping yourself safe in open water and if you are unsure – don’t get in."
And while it can be tempting to dive right into the water on a hot day, you should be testing the water first.
"Enter within your depth and get a feel for the water before swimming," Foote continues.
"Ensure you know where you plan to get out before getting in, sometimes it is easier to get in the water than get out."
It is also very important to trust your instincts before entering the water.
She said: "If you’re at the water and something doesn’t feel right, trust that. If the water doesn’t look, or smell right, don’t get in.
"Outdoor swimming is joyful, but be safe."
Be wary of the cold
Even during hot weather when temperatures rise, the shock of the cold water can make swimming around difficult.
Heard says: "The shock of cold water can make swimming difficult and increase the difficulty in getting out of the water."
"The water will always be cooler than your core body temperature, so you will experience a gasp and chill on entry," says Foote.
He added: "While it might be warm in the shallows, in deeper water it will be cold at the bottom and that can feel very different when jumping in, which can cause cold water shock and be fatal.
"This is also true in coastal areas – the sea is still cool at this time of year."
Don't trespass
Choosing where to swim isn’t just about finding a safe and pretty spot - you have to make sure you are allowed there.
Foote says: "As a rule, avoid reservoirs and quarries – they are often private facilities and are not designed for swimming.
"As well as trespassing, many have steep sides and while you might get in okay, getting out can be harder.
"Some reservoirs have damns, towers and aerators that present a real risk to swimmers."
People should always be wary if where they're swimming is a public area - and the NOWCA network lists safe open water swimming venues.
Bring the right equipment
Dependant on temperature and weather, people may need more than a swimsuit and towel for their cold dip.
Heard says: "We always recommend going swimming with a friend, wearing appropriate clothing such as a wetsuit, a tow float and a bright-coloured swimming hat."
Also, don't forget that while the energy rush in the water may help with the cold, you may feel chillier when you get out.
Heard adds: "It’s vital to also ensure that when you get out you have appropriate clothing to keep you warm after the swim."
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