Inspired or Insane?
If you’d told me last year that I would be jumping into cold, muddy rivers in the middle of winter I’d have told you you’re mad. Turns out that is exactly how I’ve been spending my time over the last few crazy months. I decided to try wild swimming at the end of April for a change of scenery more than anything else. I’ve never really had the affinity for water that others talk about, nor have I felt the need to submerge myself in a pool. But, I took the plunge (literally) and started to understand why people are so keen on it.
Then just recently, one frosty morning standing barefoot on the side of river, I came to the realisation that cold water swimming has fast become an unanticipated addiction of mine. Maybe swimming is a bit of an exaggeration. As it is undeniably cold, somedays we last half an hour, other days perhaps to call it a dip would be more appropriate.
“The first claims for the health benefits of cold water swimming date back to 400 BC. According to Hippocrates, water therapy relieved fatigue, and later, Thomas Jefferson reportedly used a cold foot bath every morning for six decades.” [Public Health 2020]
Check out a few papers on the benefits and risks of cold water swimming here;
Benefits and Risks: A Narrative Review
Cold water immersion: kill or cure?
SAFETY
As much as I love this crazy activity, it’s important to note the potential effects that cold water swimming can have. In 2014, Immersion accounted for 7% of all deaths according to the World Health Organisation. Thus, putting yourself in cold water should always be done cautiously. There are some fundamental safety rules you should follow before jumping in (such as don’t just jump in). Here’s a couple of handy guides: