How to Swim in Cold Water
Breathe., Wear a warm swimsuit (optional)., Jump in fast., Take the cautious approach., Move your limbs constantly., Warm up as soon as you leave the water., Know the risks., Go with a group of friends., Swim on an empty stomach., Choose a still...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Breathe.
If you get tense before entering cold water, pause for a moment at the water's edge.
A few deep breaths will help you relax.
This method is for cold water in temperate weather.
If you're swimming in very cold conditions, skip to the section below. -
Step 2: Wear a warm swimsuit (optional).
Long swim shorts or a rash guard will warm you up on the way to the pool, and help a small amount in the water.
A swim cap can prevent heat from escaping through the top of your head. , There are two groups of people when it comes to entering pools.
If you're brave enough to jump right in, one group says, you can start enjoying the water right away.
It will also increase your heart rate, which can be exhilarating.
Here are a few suggestions:
Step down up to your neck in one movement.
Jump straight into the deep end of the pool, if you are a good swimmer.
If you are swimming in an ocean or lake, run down a slope into the water until your legs are submerged, then slide in.
Dunk your head into the pool.
Once you've done that, you know you can take the temperature! , If you can't convince yourself to get in the water quickly, use a more gradual entry.
This makes it easier to adjust to the temperature, but don't let yourself get "stuck" halfway through.
Hold your feet in for a minute or two, then step onto the first step for a minute, and keep moving down slowly until you're in.
Wade in to the water until the cold "forces" you to stop.
Wait a minute and repeat, trying to go as far as you can each time.
Once the water is at your armpits, dunk your head under. , Once you're in, swim or at least tread water to keep your blood flowing fast.
This will make you feel much warmer than you would if you stayed still.
After about five minutes of constant movement, the water might even feel warm. , Wrap a dry towel around you as soon as you get out of the water.
If you start shivering uncontrollably, go to a warm indoor area. , Cold water is much more dangerous than air at the same temperature.
Water as warm as 21ºC (70ºF) can make breathing more difficult, and most people will hyperventilate in water at 15ºC (60ºF).This method should only be attempted by fit, healthy people who have lived in cold climates.
If you do not fit this description, you should wear a drysuit and swim under expert supervision. , You'll be safer and enjoy yourself more if you swim with a group of friends.
It's best to choose drivers who have tried this before or who don't plan to swim.
You'll probably be very tired after your first swim in cold water. , A chocolate bar is fine, but don't load up on a full meal. , Avoid rivers, as the cold water can stiffen your joints and make it difficult to swim against the current.
You should also find a spot with a flat shoreline so it's easy to get in and out of the water.
Many northern countries have businesses that will break a large hole in the ice and place a ladder in the hole.
These are a great option if you can find one, since you can pay for a heated dressing room and a hot refreshment afterward.
In Finland and many other northern countries, it's traditional to go from a hot sauna straight to the cold water.
This will make the experience much more pleasant. , The air will probably be very cold as well, so come prepared with warm clothes and a big towel.
You do not need a thermal swimsuit if you only plan to swim for a few minutes.
However, it is a good idea to pull a warm hat or thermal swim cap over your ears.
This way you can swim with your head above the water and prevent painful earaches.
You can easily injure yourself walking over rough ground with numb feet.
Wear thick wool socks to protect them on the shore. , Step carefully to avoid slipping, and do not try to jump or dive in.
The first shock of cold can cause hyperventilation, so stay at the edge until you regain control of your breathing.
Once you're in the pool, keep your limbs moving to stay (relatively) warm. , Stay alert about your own reaction to the temperature as you swim.
If you start to feel very numb, you should get out of the water.
Many people just enjoy a quick jump in and out, but you can swim around for a couple minutes if you are comfortable.
Never stay in the water longer than five minutes. , You may be numb and shivering as you leave the water.
Move slowly and watch where you place your feet to avoid falling. , Dry off and change into warm clothes immediately, in a heated dressing room if possible.
Move to a café or other heated area, and pour yourself a hot drink or glass of liquor.
If you take a shower, start with a lukewarm temperature and increase it gradually.
Hot water can burn you if your skin is too cold.
Don't be alarmed at bright red skin.
This is a normal reaction to cold. -
Step 3: Jump in fast.
-
Step 4: Take the cautious approach.
-
Step 5: Move your limbs constantly.
-
Step 6: Warm up as soon as you leave the water.
-
Step 7: Know the risks.
-
Step 8: Go with a group of friends.
-
Step 9: Swim on an empty stomach.
-
Step 10: Choose a still body of water.
-
Step 11: Bring warm clothing and towels.
-
Step 12: Step in carefully.
-
Step 13: Stay in for no longer than five minutes.
-
Step 14: Exit the water carefully.
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Step 15: Warm up.
Detailed Guide
If you get tense before entering cold water, pause for a moment at the water's edge.
A few deep breaths will help you relax.
This method is for cold water in temperate weather.
If you're swimming in very cold conditions, skip to the section below.
Long swim shorts or a rash guard will warm you up on the way to the pool, and help a small amount in the water.
A swim cap can prevent heat from escaping through the top of your head. , There are two groups of people when it comes to entering pools.
If you're brave enough to jump right in, one group says, you can start enjoying the water right away.
It will also increase your heart rate, which can be exhilarating.
Here are a few suggestions:
Step down up to your neck in one movement.
Jump straight into the deep end of the pool, if you are a good swimmer.
If you are swimming in an ocean or lake, run down a slope into the water until your legs are submerged, then slide in.
Dunk your head into the pool.
Once you've done that, you know you can take the temperature! , If you can't convince yourself to get in the water quickly, use a more gradual entry.
This makes it easier to adjust to the temperature, but don't let yourself get "stuck" halfway through.
Hold your feet in for a minute or two, then step onto the first step for a minute, and keep moving down slowly until you're in.
Wade in to the water until the cold "forces" you to stop.
Wait a minute and repeat, trying to go as far as you can each time.
Once the water is at your armpits, dunk your head under. , Once you're in, swim or at least tread water to keep your blood flowing fast.
This will make you feel much warmer than you would if you stayed still.
After about five minutes of constant movement, the water might even feel warm. , Wrap a dry towel around you as soon as you get out of the water.
If you start shivering uncontrollably, go to a warm indoor area. , Cold water is much more dangerous than air at the same temperature.
Water as warm as 21ºC (70ºF) can make breathing more difficult, and most people will hyperventilate in water at 15ºC (60ºF).This method should only be attempted by fit, healthy people who have lived in cold climates.
If you do not fit this description, you should wear a drysuit and swim under expert supervision. , You'll be safer and enjoy yourself more if you swim with a group of friends.
It's best to choose drivers who have tried this before or who don't plan to swim.
You'll probably be very tired after your first swim in cold water. , A chocolate bar is fine, but don't load up on a full meal. , Avoid rivers, as the cold water can stiffen your joints and make it difficult to swim against the current.
You should also find a spot with a flat shoreline so it's easy to get in and out of the water.
Many northern countries have businesses that will break a large hole in the ice and place a ladder in the hole.
These are a great option if you can find one, since you can pay for a heated dressing room and a hot refreshment afterward.
In Finland and many other northern countries, it's traditional to go from a hot sauna straight to the cold water.
This will make the experience much more pleasant. , The air will probably be very cold as well, so come prepared with warm clothes and a big towel.
You do not need a thermal swimsuit if you only plan to swim for a few minutes.
However, it is a good idea to pull a warm hat or thermal swim cap over your ears.
This way you can swim with your head above the water and prevent painful earaches.
You can easily injure yourself walking over rough ground with numb feet.
Wear thick wool socks to protect them on the shore. , Step carefully to avoid slipping, and do not try to jump or dive in.
The first shock of cold can cause hyperventilation, so stay at the edge until you regain control of your breathing.
Once you're in the pool, keep your limbs moving to stay (relatively) warm. , Stay alert about your own reaction to the temperature as you swim.
If you start to feel very numb, you should get out of the water.
Many people just enjoy a quick jump in and out, but you can swim around for a couple minutes if you are comfortable.
Never stay in the water longer than five minutes. , You may be numb and shivering as you leave the water.
Move slowly and watch where you place your feet to avoid falling. , Dry off and change into warm clothes immediately, in a heated dressing room if possible.
Move to a café or other heated area, and pour yourself a hot drink or glass of liquor.
If you take a shower, start with a lukewarm temperature and increase it gradually.
Hot water can burn you if your skin is too cold.
Don't be alarmed at bright red skin.
This is a normal reaction to cold.
About the Author
Diana Russell
A passionate writer with expertise in home improvement topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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