The fastest way to grow the map is to add the spots you actually swim. Tap Add a Spot in the top nav (or go to /spots/submit) — you'll need a free account, since every spot is credited to the swimmer who added it. Once it's on the map anyone can find it, check its live conditions, and link their swims to it, so a spot you add becomes a small piece of shared local knowledge.
There are two ways to set the location, and you can mix them. The quickest is the search box: start typing a beach, lake, or town name and pick from the suggestions — that drops the map pin and fills in the name for you. Or click directly on the map to place the orange pin exactly where you get in; the form then suggests a name from whatever's nearby. Either way, nudge the pin until it sits on the real entry point rather than the rough area — precise coordinates are what make the live conditions and the "nearby spots" links accurate.
Then add the details a forecast can't capture. Choose the water type (ocean, lake, or river) and a difficulty (easy through expert, based on access, currents, and exposure), and use the entry notes for the practical stuff: where to park, how to get in, where the shallow shelf or the drop-off is, any hazards. This is the most useful thing you can write — it's what the next swimmer reads before they drive over.
Before you submit, the form checks for duplicates: if there's already a spot within about 500 metres it warns you and lists the nearby names. If it's genuinely the same place, skip the duplicate and add a photo, review, or conditions report to the existing spot instead. If it's a distinct entry point, carry on — and add a cover photo if you have one. A real shot of the water and the entry beats any stock image.
Hit submit and the spot goes live on the public map straight away, credited to you and worth 100 points toward your level. From then on you can record swims there, post conditions, and watch other swimmers discover it. If you have a regular swim that isn't on the map yet, adding it is the single highest-impact contribution you can make.