It might seem a rather strange craze, and yet the health benefits of cold water swimming are undeniable.

I love swimming but my preference is a swimming pool heated to a comfortable 28°. The thought of cold water swimming fills me with dread. Why would anyone enjoy that, I wonder? And yet an ever-increasing number of people are raving about this craze and enthusing not only about how much they enjoy it, but how their hobby has benefitted their mental and physical health.  But I applaud the craze and hope it continues to grow (even if I’m too much of a wimp to try it myself) because the science continues to prove the health benefits of cold water swimming, particularly for people who are experiencing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.

In the UK, Professor Mike Tipton, an environmental physiologist at the University of Portsmouth, is leading the research into cold water swimming, putting volunteers through weekly dips to measure how they adapt to cold shock. He sits his volunteers in a hanging chair, lowers them into a trough of water at 12°C, and keeps them there for about five minutes.

According to Aspire, a registered charity that supports people with spinal injury, these are some of the health benefits of cold water swimming:

Increased tolerance to stress
A boost to self-esteem
An excellent mindfulness exercise
Decreased inflammation
Increased immunity
Radiant skin
Post-swim high

However, as Active Nation stresses, although cold water swimming can be life-affirming fun, there are risks you need to consider:

Cold shock can cause you to gasp uncontrollably. If you start to hyperventilate, this can be deadly.

Cold water can trigger cramp, so be careful about swimming out of your depth.

Hypothermia is a potentially hazardous drop in your core body temperature, usually following sustained exposure to the cold.

In the right conditions and with the right support, the health benefits of cold water swimming are very evident. But there are risks, so do consider these two key safety options:

1. Join a cold water swimming club and, unless you are very experienced, never cold water swim on your own, especially in open water.

2. Consider investing in a wetsuit. In the summer and autumn when the water temperatures are rather warmer, and/or when you are more experienced, you may not feel the need. But when you are getting started a wetsuit is a great investment and will help avoid some of the risks.

What is a wetsuit?

A wetsuit is an extraordinary suit worn by swimmers, surfers, and divers, especially when swimming in cold water. The wetsuit is engineered to insulate the swimmer’s body and help them retain body heat, therefore avoiding the potential issues of hyperventilation, hypothermia and cramps.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when the body loses too much, causing alarming low body temperature. A typical body temperature is 37 degrees; hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below 35 degrees.

What is the material used to make wetsuits?

Wetsuits are typically made from a rubber material known as neoprene. The rubber suits trap a thin layer of water between the wearer’s skin and the rubber, making it always stay wet and giving it the name “wetsuit.” The body heats the trapped moisture, which helps the wearer warm.

You should always ensure your wetsuit fits you tightly; else, the layer between you and the water will be comprehensive to keep you warm. The suit should cover your whole body or your legs and torso. You can also use a hood or jacket for extra protection.

How thick is a wetsuit

There are different thicknesses and styles of a wetsuit crafted to fit other water conditions and thee wearers need. Ideally, the thicker the suit, the warmer it keeps the wearer. Wearers find it hard to walk with thicker wetsuits. Typically, most of the wetsuits are 3mm to 5mm thick.

Who invented wetsuits?

It is not clear who first invented the wetsuit. In 1952 DR. Hugh Brander, an American physicist who had a passion for diving made the first wet suit out of neoprene. He aimed to find a way in which divers can avoid hypothermia and still move freely underwater.

Jack O’Neil is another inventor who was a surfer in the 1950s was trying to find a way to stay longer in water. He experimented with a combination of different rubber suits and finally hitting on neoprene. Jack O’Neil began his journey of making wetsuits using neoprene for himself, and other California surfers. He opened a shop on the beach and subsequently grew a business into a multi-billion industry.

We hope you enjoy all the health benefits of cold water swimming, particularly if you are struggling with mental health issues, but do ensure you follow sensible precautions and keep safe.

Image by silviarita from Pixabay