Arnott, Katherine and Spring, Hannah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9836-2795 (2026) "It's just that little slice of life for you" - The meaning of outdoor swimming in lidos: an occupational perspective. Journal of Occupational Science.

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Abstract

Background:
In England, there has been a rapid increase in the popularity of outdoor swimming and in the number of lidos. Research has considered the meanings of outdoor swimming; however, lido swimming remains virtually unexplored. From an occupational science perspective, meaningful occupation is fundamental to positive health outcomes; therefore, deepening understandings of meaning in lido swimming as an occupation is essential.

Aim:
To explore the personal meanings of lido swimming and how engaging in this occupation impacts perceived health and well-being.

Methodology:
Grounded in an interpretivist methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six adults who swam regularly at a lido in the East of England. Data were gathered in-situ at the lido and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings:
The meaning of lido swimming is multi-faceted. Two main themes were identified: connection and belonging, and benefits to well-being. Lido swimming facilitated social and community connectedness, belonging, and connections between the past and present. Benefits to well-being emerged from a sense of purpose, routine, achievement, escapism, and feelings of harmony. These resulted in a strong emotional attachment to lido swimming and to the lido itself.

Conclusions:
This research contributes to occupational science theories of meaning-making. Novel findings suggest lido swimming is a distinct form of outdoor swimming with unique contributions to health and well-being. The meanings of lido swimming appear to expand beyond the swimming itself, encompassing deeper meanings of community, connection, purpose, and escapism.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.1080/14427591.2026.2649726
School/Department:	School of Science, Technology and Health
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/14390

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