Our Guiding Principles 

How We Swim Together

Wild in Scotland is about more than just dipping into cold water. It is about building a community where people feel safe, seen, and supported, in the water and out. Whether you are here for a gentle float, a full body buzz, or a deep breath of fresh air, we want you to feel like you belong.

Our values — community, inclusivity, adventure, and care — shape everything we do. We ask everyone who joins us to reflect these values in how they show up for themselves, each other, and the wild places we move through.

Here is how we look after each other and the spaces we swim in:

Respect each other
Be kind to yourself, to others, and to our team. We are all here to enjoy the experience, and a little mutual care goes a long way.

Share the vision
Wild in Scotland is about connection, adventure, and respect for the natural world. Help us create the kind of community you would want to be welcomed into.

Celebrate difference
Everyone is welcome here. That means making space for different identities, backgrounds, bodies, and ways of being.

Listen and collaborate
If someone on the team offers guidance, it is to help keep everyone safe and comfortable. We are always open to questions too.

Be on time
Arriving on time helps the whole group have a smoother and more relaxed experience.

Welcome new faces
Remember how it felt the first time you turned up. A warm smile or small gesture can make a big difference.

Mind your impact
Everyone has boundaries. Physical, emotional, and social. Let us respect them, always.

Stay clear headed
No alcohol, smoking, or recreational drugs before or during swims. This keeps you and everyone else safer.

Keep it safe
Water safety is everyone’s responsibility. Share good habits, ask questions, and keep an eye out for each other.

Care for the wild
Leave no trace. Take litter home, pick up what you can, and treat the land and water with care.

Look after the kit
Return everything in good condition, whether it belongs to us or another swimmer.

Dress for the day
Wear weather appropriate clothing and follow our kit advice so you are comfy and protected.

Buddy up
No solo swims. It is safer, and more fun, together.

Enjoy yourself
Nature does not ask for perfection, just presence. Take it in, let go of pressure, and enjoy your time outdoors.

We ask everyone to follow these principles at all sessions, whether that is a one to one, a group swim, a workshop, or a wild adventure. When we all play our part, we make space for a community that is brave, kind, and joyfully inclusive.

Updated 04/06/2025