As summer temperatures ease, UK lidos and pools remain popular, but a growing number of swimmers are skipping a crucial hygiene step: the pre-swim shower. These rule-breakers, dubbed ‘dry strokers,’ are drawing criticism from fellow swimmers and health experts alike.
What Are ‘Dry Strokers’?
The term, coined by Metro, refers to individuals who enter the pool without rinsing off first, despite signs urging them to shower. A reporter for Metro, a regular at their local pool, notes seeing dry strokers ‘sneakily skipping this step and heading straight into the shallow end, completely bone dry.’ The practice has sparked debate, with one Reddit poll on r/Swimming showing that out of 2,700 votes, 1,400 people admitted to not showering before swimming, while 1,200 said they do.
One Reddit user, @16km, recounted an incident at a gym where a landscaper jumped in without rinsing, causing ‘a cloud of dirt and foliage that would engulf the pool.’ Another user, @RevHenryMagoo, asked two men to rinse after the sauna, but they responded with hostility, saying, ‘This is a public pool and it’s bound to be gross.’
Why Pre-Swim Showers Matter
Dr. Ross Perry, a GP, told Metro that showering before swimming is ‘not just a courtesy, but an important hygiene measure that helps protect both you and other swimmers.’ He explained that throughout the day, skin accumulates sweat, oils, dead skin cells, cosmetics, deodorant, sunscreen, and bacteria. Entering the pool without showering washes these substances into the water, forcing disinfectants like chlorine to work harder and reducing their effectiveness.
‘For other swimmers, it contributes to a greater overall contamination burden, which can affect water quality and increase the likelihood of skin, eye and ear irritation,’ Dr. Perry added. Skipping the shower also increases personal exposure to irritants and can lead to the formation of chloramines—chemical by-products responsible for the strong ‘chlorine smell’ in pools, which can cause red eyes, respiratory irritation, and skin discomfort.
Mixed Reactions and Advice
Despite the health risks, some swimmers openly admit to skipping the rinse. @CurseUmbreon, who has been swimming competitively since age four, confessed, ‘I’ve never once rinsed off before getting in,’ prompting commenters to remind them that ‘nothing should go in the pool but you.’
Dr. Perry emphasizes that ‘a quick rinse with soap before swimming significantly reduces the amount of contaminants entering the pool. It’s a simple step that helps maintain cleaner water, allows disinfectants to work more effectively, and creates a healthier environment for everyone using the facility.’
So, the next time you head to the pool, make a stop at the shower cubicles—and if you can grab some soap, even better. For those seeking a cold dip, Brightlingsea Lido in Essex offers adult admission at £7.50, children over two for £5.50, and under twos go free, with inflatables and sunbeds available for hire. Brockwell Lido in South London also ranks 19th in a global study of top cold water dip destinations.
