The Rottnest channel swim isn’t far away and Perth’s open water swimmers are flocking to the water. 

But they’re not just there to train for the ‘Rotto’ but rather the range of health benefits that come from open water swimming.

Seven-Time World Marathon Swimming Champion and Australian Swimming legend Shelly Taylor-Smith told 6PR Afternoons why there’s been a massive uptake of swimmers jumping in the open water. 

“I just think there is this natural drawing of us, particularly with mental health, where we are being drawn back to something that is quite simple and very effective for our health whether it’s mental or physical.”