Wild Swimming

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: