Wild swim danger

I READ the piece by kate Pickles on wild-water swimming (Mail) with interest, noting the health benefits and pitfalls. But one potential danger wasn’t mentioned — reeds beneath the surface.

Years ago, a group of friends and I rowed out to the middle of a quiet tributary of the thames near henley, with a wild-water swim in mind.

I was first out of the boat but as soon as I entered the water, I felt reeds winding themselves around my legs. I could only move my arms and it was extremely frightening, as the more I struggled to free myself, the more entangled I became.

Fortunately, my friends were still in the boat and grabbed my hands, managing to haul me clear with brute force. I collapsed on the deck with long strands of reeds still sticking to my legs.

So beware, and don’t go wild-water swimming alone.

HEATHER SPINK, Heathfield, E. Sussex.