COLD WATER SAFETY
Cold water has many health benefits, but can be dangerous if it isn't respected. Here's some cold water safety;
- Don't go alone
- Never jump in - ease yourself in slowly, to avoid cold water shock. If you shock your body, you will involuntarily gasp which can cause you to inhale water (drown)
- Control your breathing and ensure you don't hyperventilate
- Stay within your depth and of course avoid fast moving water and strong currents
- Wear water shoes to protect your feet
- Don't stay in long - always come out before you start shivering
- Before getting in, make sure you can easily get out
- Stay close to the edge while you check that your body can handle the drop in temperature and that you can maintain normal use of your limbs
- If it doesn't feel right, don't do it
- Bear in mind that your body temperature will continue to drop for 10 minutes after you get out - this is called 'after drop' and is the result of the cooled blood in your extremities returning to your core
- Go in warm, and have a towel, lots of warm clothes and a warm drink ready for when you get out
- Don't drive until your temperature has returned to normal
- Never go straight from cold water into a hot shower - let your body temperature return to normal first
- Don't do a cold water immersion if you have heart or other health conditions that may make it especially dangerous
COLD WATER HEALTH BENEFITS
Cold water immersion has lots of reported health benefits:
- Boosts the immune system and wards off disease
- Improves mood
- Increases energy levels
- Boosts metabolism and promotes healthy weight management
- Improves circulation
- Increases wellbeing
- Improves mental fortitude
- Increases resilience to stress
All Content Copyright © Claire | WildBeare
|
|
|