Open water swimming in Uruguay: analysis of the practice expansion phenomenom after the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Open water swimming in Uruguay has been mainly associated with summer competitions. Howevwer, after the imposition of restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in people who are fond of the practice and it has spread throughout the whole year.

Objetives: To investigate the open water swimming expansion phenomenom and, swimmers features and motivations before and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Method: Implementation and analysis of a digital survey sent to open water swimmers.

Results: The number of swimmers has doubled after the restrictions. The majority of those who already swam in open water were linked to competitive swimming at some point in their lives, while the majority of those who started swimming during the pandemic were not. The current motivation for this practice seems to be attached to the reconnection with the natural environment, emotional well-being and the encounter with others.

Conclusions: It is shown that the high sports level is not necessary for the development of this practice, although it is not sufficient either. On the other hand, it is concluded that open water swimming has ceased to be a summer practice linked mainly to competition, to become a practice with value in itself, of enjoyment, and extended throughout the year. Open water swimming in Uruguay has been resignified.

Keywords: nature, wáter bodies, water competence, water safety.