Undergraduate Student Engagement in Informal Recreational Swim: An Exploratory Study

The current study examined the relationship between undergraduate student engagement in an informal recreational activity (swimming) and participants' overall college experiences. Engagement in informal recreational swimming was shown to positively affect the well-being and sense of belonging of participants, as well as to establish a sense of connection with others who swam. Participants also expressed a positive change in mood and energy from participation in informal recreational swimming. Recommendations for other informal recreational activities (e.g., running, climbing) as well as for additional swimming programs are discussed.