Having just had a look at our local reservoirs web site, they do organise swim race days, but do recommend wearing wet suits, cos the water is cold, very cold.

However in saying that , general swimming in the reservoir is prohibited.

KK 😉

They also have safety boats and all the parafinalia necessary if someone gets into trouble including easily accessible ramps for entering/exiting the water.  Swimming solo or even in small groups in these waters is an unacceptable risk.

They are fair comments folks and I totally take on board what you are saying - I'm just desperate to get some skinny dipping in this year!! I have just been down the beach for half an hour and got waist deep into the sea but it was a bit nippy there to!!

North East in the sea in May?  You will probably stop at your knees with the reservoirs. Brrrr.

I have had the lovely experience of falling through the ice and recover in the past, I can tell you even as an ultra fit Commando my legs and arms just stopped doing what I was telling them to do and I had to work so hard just to get out of the hole.

I can see how cold shock and cramping muscles can catch a person, and there is nothing they can do about it, wether you are a strong swimmer or not. Try a stream that is not to deep if you want to cool down, just as good.

Wow!! That's very interesting information there Yeomanterry. Will definitely take that on board - frightening!! 🙁

Yeomanterry has posted some very important points about the hazards involved in cold water swimming.
I would suggest that you research the wild swimming and outdoor swimming sites and Facebook groups for more detailed information before actually venturing out.
In the past I have swum outdoors in conditions  where I had to scrape the frost off the car windows but that was only when I had conditioned myself properly. I would not attempt it now without equivalent preparation.

Cheers John - to be honest I'm a bit shocked by some of this information - I wouldn't have believed a little swim could be so dangerous so it's been a bit of an eye opener this thread! I assumed that since I have been in the North Sea with no bother all would be fine ... but clearly it isn't!! This forum has potentially saved my life!!

https://youtu.be/_96YEPAdA2Y
https://youtu.be/d0DwIp8Vk-g
http://www.coldwatersafety.org/WhatIsCold.html
Cold water shock is very real.
Paddling in shallow water then going deeper is different to jumping into a reservoir.
Again I will say please don't be a statistic. There is plenty of information out there.
My work colleagues and I do not enjoy recovering people who have drowned in reservoirs,lakes and ponds due to cold water shock and that can be at any time of the year even during the height of summer.

<snip> even during the height of summer.

Especially during the heat of summer.

Actually, I believe in lots of safe swimming everywhere, including such places as reservoirs, but we must understand the proper precautions.

I write as one who had a friend drown in a reservoir a few years back. Whilst it is tempting to jump into a reservoir to cool down on a hot day, it is foolhardy to do so. The water temperature will be considerably colder that the air temperature. Initially there is the shock of hydrocution. Even jumping into a swimming pool can result in an involuntary gasp.If underwater in a cold reservoir this can result in inhaling water with fatal results.
Fill a bucket with cold water and put your hand in. Keep it still and you soon acclimatise. Keep moving the hand and the water feels colder. Swimming in cold water will move you from A to B, but in doing so water will flow past the body taking body heat with it. 

Two young fit lads died in a local fresh water quarry days a part from each other a couple of years ago because the water was deep very cold and the weather was hot so imagine what could happen in a reservoir.

I am flabbergasted - I had no idea.
Once again, many many thanks to all who have contributed to this thread - this is really important vital stuff that people should be aware of ... I certainly wasn't and could have easily jumped into a reservoir and got in real difficulties if it wasn't for you lot putting me straight. Many many thanks. 🙂

I have done it, but I was neither concerned with legality or health and safety. Cold water is apparantly the thing to watch out for, but not everyone has the same reaction to it.

I'd only ever swim in a natural reservoir [i.e. a drowned valley], never a man-made one with steep sides

I'd only ever swim in a natural reservoir [i.e. a drowned valley], never a man-made one with steep sides

Yeah - I guess with a natural flooded one you can paddle out slowly and get a feel for it knowing you can always paddle back to shore rather than potentially trying to scramble up a steep concrete side with leg cramp. Makes sense Stu.

I'd only ever swim in a natural reservoir [i.e. a drowned valley], never a man-made one with steep sides

I have never swum in a quarry for that reason.