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
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