Wild Swimming : Safety Tips For Swimming In Cold Water

Choose Your Location Wisely : Make sure your entry point is easily accessible and that you are able to make a quick exit if you start to get too cold or there is an emergency. Be sure to check in with a trusted person and let them know where you are going and when you are out safely. If you are a confident wild swimmer and are choosing a more remote location, consider getting a waterproof personal emergency beacon for added safety and peace of mind.

Weather Forecast : Keep an eye on the forecast and check for any wind or rain that might affect your swim. You don’t want to get your clothes wet before your swim as that will make warming back up impossible. Consider taking a waterproof bag to put your towel and a second set of clothes in if the weather could change.

Keep Your Kit Close By : Have your towel and dry clothes ready for when you get out - you want to get dry and in warm clothes as quickly as possible when you get out. Keep them close to the water so you aren’t walking further than necessary before you can bundle up.

Do A Warm Up : If you are walking to your wild swimming spot, this should be enough to get your heart pumping, but if not, do a few star jumps or a little jog down the path to get your muscles warmed up. Once you are changed, get your swim started quickly so you don’t get chilled before you have even started.

Hat, Gloves + Booties : Keeping your head, hands and feet warm is really important as these areas are where you lose most of your body heat. Wear a warm hat and don’t get your head wet. Invest in some neoprene gloves and booties, not only will these keep your fingers and toes warm, but they will also protect you from any bumps or scrapes.

Slow + Steady : Don’t enter the water too quickly or jump in, this can cause your body to go into shock. Instead go slow and steady, keeping your breathing even and moving through the initial coldness. Once your shoulders are submerged start swimming straight away.

Know Your Limits : Keep within your swimming ability, especially if you are at a new location or alone. Consider using an inflatable tow buoy for resting and safety. Keep it short and keep moving so you don’t get too cold. When you start to feel chilled, it is time to finish your swim.

Getting Warm Again : Once you have finished your swim and have your dry clothes on, have a flask of something warm to help your body temperature increase - a flask of tea or soup is ideal. Your body temperature will continue to drop even when you are out of the water, so shivering will help keep you warm. You want to start moving again quickly, heading back to your car or to your camping spot where you will have heating or a campfire.