Winter swimming, as the term suggests, is an activity that a surprising amount of people enjoy during the winter period or in countries that experience more cold weather than others.
Now many of you are no doubt thinking that swimming in winter is no big thing considering that sports centres and swimming pools are usually open all year round, and you would probably be right.
Except that the winter swimming I am referring to is the actual sport or activity, call it what you will, of swimming in cold or icy waters.
Many people will settle for the unheated swimming pool for their cold splash but amazingly many more will opt for the actual icy waters of the sea or frozen rivers and lakes.
On many occasions, the ice has to be deliberately broken to allow passage or a stretch of water that has not frozen over completely or has thawed sufficiently to enable swimming will suffice.
Of course, winter swimming can only be enjoyed in countries that actually experience extreme cold weather conditions.
I think most of us, myself included, would think that swimming in such conditions would most likely lead to the King of all colds or possibly even pneumonia but surprisingly it seems we would be wrong.
Swimming in such conditions, it appears, could be very beneficial to our health.
Health Benefits Of Winter Swimming
Swimming in icy waters has become such a popular practice that scientific studies have been conducted to discover if there are any health benefits to be gained from the activity.
Surprisingly there is evidence that winter swimming is indeed beneficial to our health.
It is claimed that swimmers in very low-temperature waters experience much less fatigue and have lower stress levels but enjoy higher levels of vigour and energy.
Other benefits are said to include being more active and energetic as well as having increased memory function and attention span.
Studies also claim that sufferers of certain ailments such as fibromyalgia and rheumatic disorders find winter swimming helps to relieve pain.
Although it is not made clear if this pain relief continues after swimming or if it is only during swimming in icy waters that relief is felt.
If it is only during the swim then that could easily be put down to the fact that the body tends to become numb during extreme cold and of course feelings of pain would subside.
Another observation attributed to low-temperature swimming is that such swimmers do not seem to be as susceptible to various infectious diseases as the rest of us.
It has been found that full-body immersion in ice-cold water even for short periods produces what is called oxidative stress which helps in the development of improved antioxidative protection.
Other benefits include weight loss due to the fact that in very low temperatures more fat is used as insulation by the body.
Health Risks Of Winter Swimming
Now, before you all go jumping into the nearest frozen lake to avail yourselves of these supposed health benefits you should be aware of the risks that such practices also entail.
The most obvious risk of jumping into ice-cold water is that of drowning due to your limbs suddenly becoming numb from the freezing temperature.
Other risks include heart problems such as cardiac arrest caused by fibrillation which is a direct result of blood from the body cooling down and which is then passed back to the heart.
This is classed as the most common cause of fatalities amongst cold water swimmers so, it goes without saying that anyone with a history of heart complaints should avoid this type of activity, as should the elderly and very young.
When Winter Swimming Is Not Winter Swimming
A lot of people confuse the annual events known as “Polar Bear Swims” or “plunges” that are held in many countries around the world but especially in Europe with winter swimming.
Usually conducted on New Years Day these swims or plunges are for the most part done for charitable causes or to celebrate the new year and can include dozens if not thousands of participants.
But these extreme ice water dips are totally different from winter swimming, the polar bear events consist mainly of large bodies of people all running into the water at the same time.
Generally, those taking part will spontaneously strip off their clothing to reveal swimwear but more often than not just their underwear and enter the water en masse.
Running as far out as possible without actually swimming they will spend a short time frolicking in the water and then rush back onto dry land and hopefully to dry clothing with as much haste as possible.
Considerable amounts of monies are raised for many worthy causes in this way but there is a surprising number who partake just for the fun of it rather than as a sponsored event.
Some of the more prepared participants, and dare I say sensible ones, will wear some sort of Neoprene Bathing Suit but believe it or not those that do wear swimwear designed to fight the cold are seen as “not entering into the spirit of things” by the more die-hard dippers.
Typical Scene Of New Years Day Polar Bear plunge
The Reality Of Winter Swimming
Winter swimming is considered something of an actual sport by many, even to the extent of having recognised competitions with serious guidelines and rules.
Competitors are limited to a regular bathing suit, a pair of goggles and a single latex or silicone swim cap. Swimwear fashioned from neoprene is not permitted to be worn at these organised events nor is any type of swimsuit that has been specifically manufactured to combat extreme cold temperatures allowed.
The swimming area consists of a 25-meter area either naturally made or manually cut out of a body of frozen water and the water temperature is required to be below 5 °C.
To ensure that these rules are adhered to and competitions are run in the proper manner two large organisations have been formed for this purpose.
They are the International Ice Swimming Association and the International Winter Swimming Association, both are recognised as the foremost bodies of organised extreme low-temperature swimming.
There are of course many countries that participate in winter or ice water swimming who have their own national organised body to oversee the sport within their own boundaries.
The Reasons For Winter Swimming
Although nowadays winter swimming is considered a legitimate sporting event throughout the world it is not just a case of participants hopeful of achieving fame, fortune and glory, far from it in some countries.
Russia and several other Eastern European countries, for example, connect their winter swimming events to religious celebrations or beliefs.
It is believed that if swimmers partake in certain rituals that they will wash away their sins, Bulgaria and Romania have a tradition whereby priests will throw wooden crosses into the water so that the faithful can retrieve them and in doing so will free themselves from evil spirits.
Want To Be A Winter Swimmer?
Is winter swimming something that would interest you?
If your answer is yes then there are several things you should know and understand before you take the plunge, so to speak (excuse the pun).
It would probably be a good idea to visit your doctor and explain to him or her how you are considering becoming an extreme, cold water swimmer so that you can have an all-over physical examination.
It is not wise to just go and jump into the first ice hole you find. Ideally, you should prepare yourself by beginning to swim in less than ice-cold waters in the early winter months.
this will give your body a chance to acclimatise itself so that immersion in ice-cold water is not such a shock to your system.
Swimming in less than ice-cold water will allow your body to build up a natural resilience to the cold so that you may continue to function without suffering any adverse effect once you start to swim in really low-temperatures.
you may not feel the need to start swimming from the very beginning as you could instead take a cold shower every day.
If you do feel the need to begin by swimming proper then you should at least limit yourself to very short sessions several times a week.
You could even start by swimming in a thermal swimsuit or cold-protective clothing to help your body prepare itself.
Do not think that you have to become an instant winter swimmer from the start, very few people who share the passion for ice-water swimming will have done no preparation.
Another very important point to note, whether you are a novice or an expert, is to never swim alone.
Ideally, you want someone with you who is going to stay on dry land and who will act as your timekeeper and rescuer if you get into trouble.
Always decide on a set time to be spent in the water and pay attention to and obey your timekeeper, it is easy to lose track of time once you begin your swim, especially considering that extremely low temperatures can lead to confusion and disorientation.
Another important thing to remember when indulging in winter swimming, especially outdoors, is to remove your jewellery.
The cold water will reduce the size of your fingers allowing rings to become loose and likely to slip off without you realising.
So with jewellery, if you value it, leave it off.
Once you have finished your swim it is important to help your body recover.
Start by putting on footwear as soon as you leave the water, this will help warm your feet as well as protect them from the hard ground.
Get out of your wet swimwear as soon as possible, dry yourself as thoroughly as possible with a good absorbent towel and get dressed. Over-dressing with multiple layers of clothing is a good idea as is a warm woollen hat for your head.
Have a warm drink to start the warming process on the inside as well, you want to warm up swiftly but gradually. Getting into a hot shower or bath is not a good idea as doing so would send mixed and incorrect signals to your body.
Getting back indoors as soon as possible so as to allow your body temperature to rise and stabilise is recommended. Driving is not recommended immediately after swimming as extreme cold can make you feel tired and lethargic, not an ideal combination when in control of a vehicle.
If you intend to get serious about winter swimming then you might be interested in joining a group or organisation either in your immediate area or in your chosen swimming spot.
Not only will you find companionship in common interest but you will no doubt be able to pick up many helpful pointers and tips from the more experienced swimmers.
Never be afraid to ask questions as most people are only too happy to pass on advice.
You will probably be surprised at the size and extent of the winter swimming community as it is very well supported and firmly entrenched in quite a few countries around the world.
China alone has, at last count, over 140 winter swimming associations with a membership ranging from young children to eighties plus numbering over 200,000.
Even if you don’t live in the country that you are intending to swim in it is still a good idea to join the local club or association for that area. Doing so will help you gain knowledge of the area such as best places to swim and more importantly those places that are not advisable to swim.
You will most likely find that club or association members are only more than willing to help newcomers and you will in all likelihood make lasting friendships with many.
Winter Swimming Kit Checklist
- Comfortable swimwear.
- Well fitting goggles.
- Swimming hats, Neoprene or Silicone.
- Wetsuit.
- Neoprene gloves.
- Neoprene footwear.
After Swim Kit Checklist
- Large towel.
- Wrap around robe.
- Woollen hat.
- Woollen gloves.
- Lined footwear, if possible.
- Thermos flask containing warm drink.
- Dry biscuits or cake.
After you have been winter swimming you will want to dry off and get warmed up as quickly as possible.
The temptation to jump under a hot shower is definitely to be resisted as that can be dangerous, instead just dry off, wrap up and sit for a while consuming your warm drink and snack.
Your body temperature will gradually rise to a level that will make you feel comfortable enough to dress properly and go home if you so wish.
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