For some brave souls, new year’s resolutions have meant embracing the chill of wild swimming, whether it’s a quick dip on weekends, swimming along Scotland’s rugged coastline, or taking a plunge into a serene loch. With Scotland’s stunning, expansive waterways drawing swimmers from near and far, it is important to note that not all water bodies are officially recognised as bathing waters under Scottish law. However, of the over 80 designated Scottish bathing waters, 87% earned excellent or good classifications in 2025, highlighting the high quality of many of these popular swimming spots.
For landowners considering the possibilities of encouraging local wild swimming, it is important to understand the ins and outs of bathing water designation. It is an opportunity to not only harness the value of these natural resources for tourism and local business, but also to ensure the protection of both public health and the environment.
What is Bathing Water?
Bathing water refers to areas of surface water - whether coastal or inland - that the Scottish Ministers designate under the Bathing Water (Scotland) Regulations 2008. These areas are selected because they are historically popular for swimming and offer the infrastructure that supports recreational bathing, such as parking, toilets or lifeguard services.
Obtaining “bathing water” status is not just a label; it is a commitment to creating safe, clean spaces for the public to enjoy. With this designation comes responsibility, including imposing a legal requirement on Scottish Ministers to carry out necessary improvement measures to protect water quality.
Who Oversees Bathing Water?
Managing bathing waters is a shared responsibility between various parties:
- Local Authorities and Landowners: Local authorities, alongside landowners, maintain the facilities and cleanliness of bathing areas.
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA): SEPA plays a crucial role in monitoring water quality throughout the official bathing season, which runs from May 15 to September 15 each year. Regular testing ensures the water remains suitable for swimming.
Water Quality Classifications
Water quality is measured and classified by SEPA into four distinct categories:
- Excellent
- Good
- Sufficient
- Poor
These classifications are determined by tests taken over a four-year period and are essential for informing the public about water safety. For landowners, the classification can have a significant impact on a site’s reputation, with poor ratings possibly deterring visitors.
Key Considerations for Landowners
While local authorities typically apply for bathing water designation, landowners can also apply if they believe their land has potential. There is no set statutory process, but some key areas that require consideration as part of the application include:
- Infrastructure and Facilities: Does the area have appropriate infrastructure such as lifeguarding, public toilets and parking? Additional investment in amenities may be necessary to support the application for designation and any resulting increase in visitor traffic.
- Environmental Responsibility: The maintenance of bathing water quality requires ongoing monitoring and collaboration with SEPA and local authorities. SEPA may also install electronic signage at selected bathing sites, which alerts bathers of poorer water quality following a short-term pollution event. If a landowner becomes aware of a pollution event, they must inform SEPA.
- Access: Once designated, the landowner is required to allow SEPA and the local authority access to the site, to take water samples for monitoring and erect signage.
- Tourism Potential: A designated bathing water site can bring new tourism opportunities, though it also comes with a potential increase in footfall. Landowners should consider how to balance this with the preservation of the surrounding environment.
You do not have to be the landowner to apply for an area to be designated. However, any application in respect of a privately owned site must be supported by the landowner.
Scotland’s bathing water designation process plays a vital role in safeguarding its natural water resources while promoting their sustainable use. For landowners, the decision to apply for designation should be carefully weighed against any additional responsibilities it entails. By working closely with the relevant authorities, landowners can facilitate a protected, enjoyable bathing location that benefits both the public and the environment.
