Watersports

Watersports (often shortened to WS, and also called "golden showers") is a fetish involving urine. It's more common than many people assume and, like most kinks, it means different things to different people.

What it means

The appeal of watersports can be the taboo, the intimacy, the warmth, the feeling of surrender or dominance, or a simple love of something a little bit naughty. For some it's a sensory interest; for others it's part of a power dynamic, sometimes alongside humiliation play where that's been agreed.

Variations

• Desperation: interest in the build-up of needing to go, rather than the act itself.
• Wetting: wetting clothing, which some people enjoy for the sensation or the embarrassment.
• Watching: enjoying watching a partner, by mutual agreement.
• Showers: one partner urinating on another, often in a bath or shower.
• Content: some adults create or enjoy watersports photos and videos.

How it's understood

Watersports is often seen as a "niche" kink, but it has an active and friendly community. Like any fetish, it's understood as harmless between consenting adults who take sensible precautions, and as off-limits for anyone who hasn't clearly agreed.

Consent and communication

Because it's a taboo for many people, negotiation matters. Discuss exactly what's on the table, which body areas are okay, what's a hard limit and where play will happen. Never involve anyone who hasn't consented, including in public places.

Safety and wellbeing

There's very little research on watersports itself, so treat any confident "it's totally safe" claim with suspicion. What is known: urine isn't sterile, and research has found living bacteria in urine from people without an infection. Most people who enjoy watersports keep the risks down by being sensible:

• Keep urine away from eyes and from cuts or broken skin.
• Avoid drinking urine: it isn't sterile, so it can carry germs, especially if either person is unwell.
• Choose easy-to-clean spaces like a bath or shower, and wash afterwards.
• Stay hydrated.

If anyone has a urinary tract infection (such as cystitis), a sexually transmitted infection or any other infection, skip it until they're well, and speak to a medical professional with any concerns.

Common misconceptions

• "It's dirty and dangerous." It isn't risk-free, but sensible hygiene and skipping it when anyone is unwell go a long way.
• "It's always about humiliation." For many people it's about intimacy, sensation or taboo.
• "Everyone who likes it wants to drink it." Interests vary a lot.

FAQ

Is watersports legal?

Laws on sexual activity, public indecency and recording differ between countries and regions, and we can't give legal advice. Whatever the law where you live, doing it in public or involving anyone who hasn't consented is never okay. If you're unsure, check local law or ask a qualified lawyer.