3 h. ago The thong bikini boom: why the skimpiest swimwear is back – and suddenly mainstream

Once seen as controversial and the preserve of celebrities and Love Islanders, the style has become ubiquitous. Is this a sign of body positivity or something else entirely?There are plenty of places where no one would bat an eyelid at the sight of a thong bikini; on a beach in Brazil or around the Love Island fire pit, visible butt cheeks are practically de rigueur. But my first sighting this year was not while surfing in Australia or sunbathing in the Caribbean, but at an open-water swimming spot, on a rainy day in Scotland.I should not have been surprised. Tiny swimwear is huge news this summer. It is no longer confined to sunny climes, but cropping up everywhere from lidos to leisure centres – and lochs, apparently. Continue reading...

Politics

19 h. ago Scotland's best wild swimming spots crowned as 'magical' pools top list

Another beauty spot was said to have "the clearest water" in the country.

Politics

34 h. ago Venomous fish spotted on Scots beach as experts warn swimmers

The creatures have venomous spines on their dorsal fin that can deliver an extremely painful sting.

Events

41 h. ago Little known hidden gem UK beach has 'crystal blue sea' and 'secret rock pools'

Beachgoers love the 'hidden gem' swimming spot with clear water and stunning views

Society

3 d. ago Man dies at Ensor's Pool beauty spot after going underwater while swimming

Nuneaton and Bedworth Police are investigating the tragic death of 27-year-old Wojciech Berlan, who lost his life after drowning at the Ensor's Pool beauty spot on Sunday

Events

4 d. ago 'I spotted a dent in my breast when someone admired my swimsuit – then things got scary'

EXCLUSIVE: Laina Nielsen was only 29 when an innocent compliment about her swimming costume led to a discovery that turned her whole world upside down

Politics

8 d. ago Escape the heatwave with the 10 best wild swimming spots within an hour of London

Feeling the heat? These are the best swimming spots within easy reach of the capital by train, tube and car

Politics

1 week ago Six things everyone needs to know before wild swimming in Scotland

Summertime is the best time of year to brave the sea or open water, but there are a few things to bear in mind if you're thinking of taking the plunge

Politics

1 week ago Victoria Mboko’s Montreal magic: the Canadian teen who toppled four grand slam champions

The 18-year-old wildcard stunned Osaka, Gauff, Rybakina and Kenin to win her first WTA 1000 title – and rocket from obscurity into the world’s top 25Canada was still catching its collective breath from Summer McIntosh’s record-breaking swims when 18-year-old Victoria Mboko grabbed the spotlight at the National Bank Open and never let go.In front of a sold-out crowd in Montreal, the 85th-ranked Canadian wildcard finished her Cinderella title run on Thursday night by beating former world No 1 Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 to win her first WTA Tour title. Prolonged cheers for Mboko interrupted play 30 minutes into the men’s final being played concurrently 330 miles west in her hometown of Toronto. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago One of UK's 'best wild swimming spots' has beautiful waterfalls and clear waters

There are plenty of beautiful wild swimming spots in the UK but there's one breathtaking spot that's worth having on your radar if you like to avoid the crowds

Politics

2 w. ago Tragedy as volleyball prodigy Simona Cinà dies aged 20 in swimming accident

Simona Cinà, aged 20, was spotted lying lifeless at the bottom of a swimming pool at a private villa in Bagheria, Sicily, where she had attended a graduation party

Events

2 w. ago Beachgoers spot mysterious sea monster swimming close to British shoreline

Beachgoers were left stunned when they spotted a mysterious creature swimming close to the British shoreline before they realised it was a rare fish that's known to be dangerous

Politics

2 w. ago Large great white shark spotted swimming close to Santa Monica pier

The much-feared predator usually stays further off the coast

Events