Cold water swimming. It’s a thing. A thing that, along with cold water plunging, has become a popular hobby and is sweeping the nation. There’s science to back up why it’s good for you and there are plenty of celebs making it a part of their life, or their health and fitness routine – David Beckham, Justin Bieber, Fearne Cotton, Kate Humble, Ed Sheeran and Kate Middleton are all exponents of cold water swimming.
Let’s dive into why cold water swimming has become so popular, why some people prefer it over a few lengths in a heated pool. On the face if it, it might seem a little crazy – taking the plunge in cold water. There are several events like Boxing Day swims where brave souls don their swimwear or wetsuits for a splash in the sea, and it certainly pulls the crowds. But hang on – isn’t it something most of us used to do when we were kids? Didn’t we all go swimming in the local river? Ah, but this is so much more than that, people are taking to rivers, seas, reservoirs and lakes all over the UK now, with some having cold water pools built and utilising outdoor pools year round.
A quick look on the internet will tell you that cold water swimming is good for you. Physical benefits of cold water swimming include improved circulation, a boost to metabolism, strengthening the immune system and even reducing pain and inflammation – and of course, improving fitness. Another thing is that it can increase your libido – wey hey!
There are benefits to your mental health too, the most important being that it really can boost your mood. It’s been proven that the initial shock of the cold water can trigger the release of endorphins, leading to feelings of euphoria and happiness. It can reduce stress by activating the body's response to cold and providing a sense of accomplishment, thus helping to manage conditions like anxiety and depression. And there’s no doubt that swimming in cold water can increase alertness and energy levels, which long term can help with chronic tiredness.
The thing is, you feel so damned good after swimming in cold water, but it has to be done safely. Most important is to acclimatise by entering the water slowly and giving your body time (up to a minute) to adjust before you start full-on swimming. Don’t stay in the water too long either – we all have different levels of endurance, but if you start to feel cold or tired, you should get out. The key is to warm up gradually, by getting out of your wet clothes, wrapping a towel around you, or slipping into a robe, and when you feel ready, dress in warm layers.
Very, very important is that anyone with pre-existing health conditions should consult a doctor before heading off for a swim in cold water, as in certain cases, like those with heart and respiratory issues, it can be dangerous.
Several of our large group holiday houses have pools that remain open, but not heated during the winter for cold water swimming, and a few have cold plunge facilities. This is great for anyone who regularly enjoys a cold swim, but it’s a good introduction if it’s something you’d like to try, or if you’re still fairly new to it. You’ve got privacy for one thing, no-one else can see, other than the friends and family you’re with, and you’ve got the facilities entirely to yourselves. You can have your robes and towels to hand as soon as you get out – no running up the beach or having to leave them by the side of a lake, and when you’re ready, you can go inside and warm up properly.
If that’s something that appeals, take a look. If it’s not something you’re doing already, you never know, cold water swimming could be your next big thing.