One of the reasons we all swim is to be close to nature, but could our hobby be damaging the waterways we love? In the new issue of Outdoor Swimmer environmental campaigner Angela Jones explains how wild swimmers may be inadvertently damaging delicate eco-systems and how some simple actions can stop us adding to the pollution of our waters.

Elsewhere in the issue we ask, 'Why do you swim?' and meet cold water swimmers to explore the reasons we take to the water. Ever fancied being a swimming postie? In our monthly history feature by award winning writer Elaine Howley we look at the Tin Can mail – a swimming postal service! And Ella Foote meets film maker Cat White whose new film Fifty-Four Days follows a girl who discovers outdoor swimming when grieving.

Here's a taster of what else you can find in the issue. 

Coach

• Cassie Patten: How to plan marathon swim feeding
• Pool Page: Pool sessions that replicate open water
• Virtual coaching: How an online coach can improve your swimming
• Ice baths: Get your cold water fix all year round
• Wetsuit Hire: the advantages of not buying a wetsuit
• Meditation: An easy practice for beginners
• Gear: Pool training tech on test
• Events: Comprehensive UK and international race listings

Columnists

• Sarah Thomas: Those who don’t jump will never fly
• Joe Minihane: The power of the light
• Alice Goodridge: Returning to the river
• Caroline Saxon: Does poor preparation lead to poor performance?
• Simon Griffiths: Outdoor swimming and disability
• Jonathan Cowie: Swimming in circles
• Simon Murie: Training for distance
• Pete Kelly: Another turn around the sun

Plus!

• Travel: The best of the Balearics
• Eco Pages: Frogs, underwater photos and kelp restoration
• Event reviews: Ice swimming championships
• Open water news round-up
• Swimming Around… Oxford
• Swim Life: Your letters, poems and photos