‘It’s freedom from pain, freedom from others’ expectations, freedom from disability, freedom just to be me.’ Disabled people’s perspectives on open water swimming

Open water swimming (OWS) participation has grown in popularity, yet little research explores the experiences of disabled swimmers. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 swimmers self-identifying as having disabilities, health conditions, cognitive differences, or impairments (13 female, 2 male; mean age 52.6yrs). Four core themes and nine subthemes were identified: 1) Sensory experience and shifting attention (Somatic experience; Multisensory blue spaces); 2) Outwitting impairments and escaping confines (Creativity and outmanoeuvring; Barriers and accessibility; Liberation); 3) Awareness of nature (Environmental quality and nature connection; Caution and vigilance); 4) Understanding and expression of self (Self-concept; Autonomy and independence). Findings emphasise the importance of biodiversity and clean water in promoting physical and psychological benefits through multisensory stimulation. Swimmers highlight barriers and enablers to participation, including logistical, financial and social factors, alongside a personal responsibility to assess environmental risks. Findings offer insights to better support inclusive participation and improve accessibility for disabled swimmers.