Stories about people

Wild Swimming is already in the top ten best sellers' list and describes Britain's 150 favourite swimming holes.

The book includes local spots such as Backney Bridge near Ross, Leintwardine and, controversially, Gullett Quarry near the Malvern Hills. 

Gullet Quarry by Neil Dotti

Daniel says, if you're sensible, then swimming outdoors is only as risky as swimming at the seaside:

"In terms of statistics it's certainly no more dangerous than going kayaking or canoeing, or even fishing if you're a wading fisherman. 

"It's ten times safer than, say, going scuba diving, and I think many people would consider trying scuba diving on a holiday, and certainly many people would consider going canoeing or kayaking."

Taken hostage

Daniel's love of swimming helped him escape a terrible ordeal ten years ago when he was taken hostage whilst working as a scientist in New Guinea.

He eventually made it to safety by wading through tropical rivers.

He says that dreaming of being back home helped him get through the time as a hostage:

"I'd sort of look up at the sky, and pretend that I was back in Herefordshire, where I grew up and used to go swimming a lot. 

"It was a fantastic way to reconnect with memories of childhood and pretend to be home.

"It gave a few minutes of solice in what was quite a difficult time being hostage."

Where to swim

Back home he worked as a civil servant, but says during long hot summers he'd spend most of his time dreaming of swimming outside, in rivers such as the Lugg and the Wye.

That prompted years of research driving around Britain, putting on his trunks and trying out various hidden swimming spots.

Wild Swimming has just been launched across the country and Daniel's already planning his next project - a guide to the secret pools and swimming spots around Britain's coastline.

People can get more information on safety and guidance from www.wildswimming.co.uk and ther are also an interactive maps to view and upload swims.