Benefits of cold water swimming

10.2.25

We’re near and in the water a lot in this job. And in all weathers, not just the spring and summertime when aquatic weeds can bring the biggest headache. Aquatic weed management and lake weed control help keep waterways clean and safe for cold-water swimmers. The extent to which cold water swimming has surged in popularity is evident on all types of media, especially social, and we don’t know about you, but from we were sitting, it took on loads of new devotees during lockdown. The Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS) says that an incredible 7.5 million people in the UK take a cold-water dip in lakes, rivers, lidos and seas. So, we thought we’d take a little look at the benefits of cold water swimming for our blog.

Where do most people cold-water swim?

You'll find just as many cold water swimmers in lakes as in the sea. The OSS says that 41% of people prefer them, while for 14%, it’s rivers. Then there’s 4% that prefer open water, lidos, tidal pools and estuaries. One to ten swim spots is what 89% of people have on their doorstep, but there's a strong appetitie for more, plus 85% of English and Welsh people who responded to its survey would like to see reservoir access for cold water swimmers, which is already a thing in Scotland.

Physical health benefits of cold water swimming

You might wish to give cold water swimming a whirl if the thought of the gym leaves you cold. A dip on those icy depths gets the blood pumping, so enhanced cardiovascular health and improved circulation ahoy! The body's response to cold involves constricting and dilating blood vessels, you see, so it's good for blood pressure as well as circulation.

All of the above stokes the furnace of your immune system. The benefits of water immersion have been tied to a strengthened and robust immune response because the shock of cold water stimulates the production of white blood cells, helping the body ward off nasty stuff like bugs.

It might be cold in the water but your calories will feel the burn. Swimming in cold water forces the body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, so you’ll be waving those calories off by the bucketload.

Mental health benefits of cold water swimming

The mental health benefits of cold water swimming are numerous. Perhaps the thought of it isn’t great on an already-cold, damp, and miserable UK winter morning, but once you’re in, the mental health benefits just keep on coming!

Taking the plunge can elevate your mood because it lets all those endorphins out that have been locked in waiting to rush to the part of the brain that makes you feel good by sending stress levels plummeting.

Regularly braving cold waters is thought to fortify you mentally, promoting toughness and resilience. Overcoming that initial 'I'd rather have an extra couple of hours in bed thank you very much' can translate to improved coping mechanisms in other areas of life too apparently.

Then there’s the connection with nature and the great outoors. Winter lakes boast their own kind of beauty. A quick Google search throws up just how many cold water swimmers report a profound sense of connection to the natural world, bordering on the spiritual. While we’re in no way health professionals here, what all of this does seem to make for are lowering of anxiety levels and perhaps even helping with depression, seasonal affected disorder (SAD) and the like.

Safety and cold water swimming

We can’t not include the obligatory safety warning, and while it’s a compelling and healthy pursuit, you must all approach it with caution. Like acclimatisation. Easy does it, with gradual cold-water exposure, to avoid the dangers of cold-water shock.

There’s safety in numbers too. It’s fun, and you'll know that should you get into trouble, there’s support close at hand.

Like anything that involves physical exertion or doing something new, you should know our limits. It’s not a competitive sport, and listening to your body’s signals and instincts is as good an idea as cold water swimming in the first place. As well as to physical cues too of course, such as numbness or stiffness because then, it’s time to get out of the water.

And of course, just as you’d check the weather conditions before you climb a mountain, ensure that you do a quick tide or currents check, likewise check water quality reports. Many cold water swimmers choose to avoid going after heavy rainfall, look to water assets to check if it’s good to swim in certain waters, clean hands before eating, and use apps that show water quality or sewage overflows.

How do I get started with cold water swimming?

Start small by beginning with short immersions in controlled environments. Unheated pools or designated outdoor swimming areas can help ease you in gently.

Wetsuits or other suitable swimwear are a must to insulate you from the biting cold or extremes of temperature.

You might also wish to join a community or organisation where support and guidance are par for the course. You can learn a lot from experienced cold-water swimmers, both in terms of technique and safety.

Sources:

outdoorswimmer.com

getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

swimnow.co.uk

swimsecure.co.uk

outdoorswimmingsociety.com