{"id":11775,"title":"The Cold Water Therapy of Wild Swimming","description":"An introduction to the increasingly popular Cold Water adventure.","content":"

What is Wild Swimming?<\/strong><\/h3>

If you haven't tried the outdoor adventure of Wild Swimming, it's about time you did.<\/p>

\"Natural water has always held the magical power to cure\" - Roger Deakin, an English writer, environmentalist and author of Waterlog: A Swimmer's Journey Through Britain.<\/p><\/blockquote>

Fundamentally Wild Swimming is taking the plunge into a natural body of water such as a lake, pond, river or sea. It's definitely a growing outdoor pursuit with the added attraction for the adventurous to discover those secluded, hidden gem locations. Where they can reconnect with the nature around them and feel invigorated.<\/p>

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Is Wild Swimming Safe?<\/strong><\/h3>

Any form of activity in water requires safety awareness, and Open Water swimming is no exception. Being in water has dangers including water temperature, currents, underwater obstructions, pollution and even other users of the water like boats that may not see you. So it is important you always know the waters you are heading to, or look for potential dangers before entering. There are many organisations and websites where you can find location information and experienced advice, below we're sharing the tips from wildswimming.co.uk<\/a><\/p>

The First Dip and Beginner Tips<\/strong><\/h3>

If it\u2019s your first time in cold water without a wetsuit, arrive feeling really warm. Plan a good hearty walk to get you there, and put on lots of warm clothes before you arrive. Once you\u2019re in the water it takes a few minutes before the cold feeling goes away, so persevere and you\u2019ll feel great. In general, the more you swim in cold water the less you will feel the cold and the greater the health benefits. This is called \u2018cold adaptation\u2019. Don\u2019t stay in so long that you start to shiver, though, and definitely get out and warm up after 20 minutes. If you have footwear (e.g. old trainers etc) these are very useful for confidence and exploring. It is, of course, quite possible to swim even without any kit. Wear your undies or go naked if it is secluded. If you don't have a towel, wipe most of the water off with your hands then sacrifice one item of clothing to dry yourself or travel with a small, light cotton sarong \u2013 it can double as a picnic blanket too!<\/p>

10 ways to be wild and safe<\/h3>

1 Never swim in canals, urban rivers, stagnant lakes or reedy shallows
2 Never swim in flood water and be cautious of water quality during droughts
3 Keep cuts and wounds covered with waterproof plasters if you are concerned
4 Avoid contact with blue\u2013green algae
5 Never swim alone and keep a constant watch on weak swimmers
6 Never jump into water you have not thoroughly checked for depth and obstructions
7 Always make sure you know how you will get out before you get in
8 Don\u2019t get too cold \u2013 warm up with exercise and warm clothes before and after a swim
9 Wear footwear if you can
10 Watch out for boats on any navigable river. Wear a coloured swim hat so you can be seen<\/p>

The Benefits of Cold Water Swimming<\/strong><\/h3>

The scientific physical benefits of cold water submersion are well known. As well as the positive physical exercise, the constriction of the blood vessels leading to increasing blood pressure and circulation around the body is a real tonic for any inflammation or bruising. Cold water can also improve your immune system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that run throughout the body helping to remove bacteria and microbes from your cells, cleansing the body. Cold water immersion also causes your lymph vessels to contract and pump more lymph fluid around the body flushing waste out of these areas. This, in turn, triggers your immune system to attack and destroy any unwanted substances collected within the fluid, keeping your body healthy.<\/p>

As for the mental benefits, like other activities when surrounded by nature, studies have shown immediate improvements in mood after a swim and a gradual reduction in the symptoms of depression. Finding secluded areas to enjoy a Wild swim is a real fillip for the mind and soul, you just feel it. We think submerged within water brings you into a new dimension with nature too. We love all forms of interaction with the Wild, from standing on mountain peaks, climbing rock to looking up at Giant Redwoods, but wild swimming literally submerges you within nature. You're even supported by it during the swim and we feel this gives us a more intimate experience and always feel reinvigorated post swim.<\/p>

Other good resources are The Outdoor Swimming Society<\/a> and We Swim Wild<\/a>, Enjoy your next dip!<\/p>

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