Can You Really Trust Your Phone in the Water?
If you’re a regular wild swimmer, chances are your phone is never far from the bank. Whether you’re tracking your swim with an app, capturing that golden-hour loch photo, or simply keeping it nearby for safety, most of us rely on our smartphones even when we’re out in the middle of nowhere stripping off for a dip.
The question of how waterproof modern smartphones really are has been doing the rounds lately, and it’s sparked some genuinely useful conversations in the wild swimming community. But here’s the thing — even if your phone can handle a brief splash, wild swimming environments are a very different beast from a controlled swimming pool. So let’s talk about what you actually need to know to protect both your device and yourself out there.
IP Ratings Explained: What Do They Actually Mean?
Most premium smartphones now carry an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. You’ll often see labels like IP67 or IP68 on the box. But what does that mean in practice?
- IP67 — Protected against immersion in water up to 1 metre deep for up to 30 minutes.
- IP68 — Protected against immersion in water up to 1.5 metres (or more, depending on the manufacturer) for up to 30 minutes.
Sounds reassuring, right? The catch is that these ratings are tested under laboratory conditions using still, fresh water. Wild swimming environments — rivers, lakes, reservoirs, sea lochs — are an entirely different matter. Moving currents, silt, algae, saltwater, and varying water temperatures can all compromise the seals on your device far more quickly than a calm, clean pool ever would.
In short: your phone may survive an accidental dunk, but you shouldn’t be relying on that rating as a guarantee when you’re plunging into a highland stream.
Better Habits for Taking Your Phone Wild Swimming
Use a Proper Waterproof Case or Dry Bag
The single best thing you can do is invest in a dedicated waterproof case or a dry bag with a proper seal. These are inexpensive, widely available, and will protect your phone far more reliably than any built-in IP rating. Look for cases rated to at least IPX8 for submersion, or dry bags that are tested to a specific depth. Many wild swimmers simply leave their phone safely zipped into a dry bag on the bank — which is honestly the wisest move.
Keep It Out of the Water Where Possible
Use your phone for navigation and safety before and after your swim, not during it. Set your route, let someone know where you are, and then stash it securely. Not only does this protect your device, but swimming without a phone in your hand encourages you to be more present in the moment — which is one of the great joys of wild swimming in the first place.
Emergency Contacts and Location Sharing
Before any wild swim, make sure someone onshore knows your plans. Share your location via an app, or drop a pin with a trusted friend or family member. If you do carry your phone into the water, keep it in a lanyard or tethered case so it doesn’t sink if you drop it.
The Other Thing You Should Be Checking Before You Swim
While you’re planning your wild swim and making sure your tech is ready, there’s another crucial step that many swimmers overlook entirely: checking the water quality of your chosen spot.
Unlike swimming pools, wild swimming venues are not routinely monitored for bacteria, algae, agricultural run-off, or other contaminants. After heavy rainfall in particular, rivers and lakes can carry significantly elevated levels of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Enterococcus. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms are also increasingly common across the UK during warmer months and can be genuinely dangerous to both swimmers and pets.
The good news is that testing your water before you swim doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A simple, portable water quality test kit gives you real, actionable information about what’s actually in the water — so you can make an informed decision about whether to swim that day, or find a safer alternative.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t drive without checking your tyres. Why swim without knowing what’s in the water?
Be Prepared, Be Safe, Be in the Water More
Wild swimming is one of the most joyful, invigorating, and mentally restorative activities you can do. But a little preparation goes a long way. From protecting your phone with a proper waterproof case, to testing your local swim spot for water quality, the small steps you take before getting in make all the difference.
Ready to swim smarter? Browse our range of water quality test kits at wildswimmingtests.co.uk and find out exactly what’s in your favourite wild swimming spot before you take the plunge.
📷 Photo by Erik Dungan on Unsplash
