1 Take a hikeSo many of our favourite swimming holes are only accessible via a bit of a stomp. Putting in the miles between yourself and civilisation will mean a more tranquil swim and maybe even your own, private swimming experience. Even if a walk isn't necessary, there are often great trails near wild swimming locations, allowing you to work up a sweat before diving in to cool off. Kondalilla Falls is great for this. Walk down to the bottom of the falls and enjoy the impressive view. After the walk back up there's a spectacular pool at the top to freshen up in. There's no better feeling! For an even more satisfying experience, pick a multi-day with swimming holes en route like the Jatbula Trail in the Nitmiluk National Park.

2 Take a buddyThe more the merrier, so they say. Enjoy the look of awe on friends' faces as you introduce them to a favourite swimming spot and add great conversation and camaraderie to your wild swimming experience. Not only that, you'll be safer exploring in a group and better supported should anything go awry.

3 Take five for natureThere are so many ways to spread the love whilst wild swimming, and it feels good. Picking up five pieces of litter and carrying them out with you is one great way to make the experience better for the next people who come along.

Not using sunscreen or bugspray before swimming avoids damage to delicate water-based ecosystems which don't enjoy the chemicals in most products. Protesters Falls in the Nightcap National Park is an example of a waterhole which was not able to cope with the influx of swimmers wearing sunscreen and bug spray, causing the population of Fleay's Barred Frog to become endangered.

Using good bush hygiene such as not pooping near waterways and adopting Leave no trace principles are really important skills to learn if you're going to swim where there are no facilities.

All this will mean your experience is enriched by the feeling of protecting the places you love and that the spot is still beautiful for the next swimmer who comes along; not to mention that Mother Nature will thank you forever. For more detailed info on how to be a wild swimming eco warrior see here.

Start 'em young: Intrepid youngsters on their way for a wild swim in the Royal National ParkAndy Lewis

Kondalilla FallsAndy Lewis

A healthy dose of Vitamin N Rachel Lewis

BWA December 2016 | 55

7 Take a childKids have a knack for finding the fun in anything (see bonus tip below). Take your favourite mini-person on a wild swimming adventure and let them lead the way to funsville. Go along with their suggestions for games and join in the giggles and splashes that inevitably ensue. They'll love you for it and you'll be doing your bit to curb the growing phenomenon of nature deficit-disorder.

8 Take care: Explore the environment and be informedNot only is every swimming hole different but they can all present a different set of safety considerations from day to day. Weather conditions, water flow or submerged objects can change suddenly so it's important to

Daddy-daughter time at Emerald Pool, NSWAndy Lewis

56 | BWA December 2016

check these factors out before diving in. A good example is Wappa Falls near Noosa. This spot can be awesome for rock jumping and is often full of local kids happily playing in and out of the water. However, after rain it becomes extremely dangerous because the shape of the swimming hole causes strong downward currents, potentially pulling swimmers with them. The rocks also become incredibly slippery after rain and deaths have occurred here. For a more detailed list of safety considerations when wild swimming see here.

9 Take a floatieLie back, look up and let the tension float away as you turn your wild swim into a five star luxury experience (maybe minus the cocktails, unless you're very inventive). Bringing a lilo or other inflatable to a swimming hole intensifies the relaxation and fun potential and allows you to be in the water without actually being in the water, meaning you can dip for longer. If you're feeling really adventurous, a lilo trip downstream at a spot such as Wollongambe River Canyon in the Blue Mountains will give you access to incredible parts of the bush not accessible by foot. Liloing safely requires the right equipment, good planning and an early start. Before you float downstream, make sure you're clear on entry and exit points and never try this sort of trip during or after heavy rain as water levels can rise rapidly.

10 Take a pictureTake in the view through a lens, capture a memory and share it with others to inspire them to get out exploring. Whether you're using your phone or have all the gear, framing that perfect memory can be extremely satisfying. Also, looking at the photo later on can transport you back to paradise in times of need, like when you're back in the office on Monday. Maybe even take a pencil and paper and have a go at sketching some of the details around you. 'But I can't draw!' I hear you cry. No matter. The simple act of paying close attention to what you see can enhance your experience massively.

Bonus Tip: Give it a go!All the fun of wild swimming awaits you. As we get older we sometimes forget to play and opt for more “serious” pursuits like hiking or cycling, where there is a definite goal and achievement can be measured. But this is all about jumping in and experiencing that childlike abandon again. So if you're new to wild swimming or it's been a while, jump in a swimming hole at least once this summer and put some of the tips above into action. Go on, we dare you.

For comprehensive information on swimming holes across Australia see wildswimmingaustralia.com.

BWA December 2016 | 57