Wild swimming has become an incredibly popular choice for activity. People love the combination of incredible exercise, cold water immersion, and being in beautiful natural spots. This experience is especially popular in spring and summer when the weather and water are warmer, but many people enjoy the challenge of continuing in the colder weather. While this is fine, it’s good to prepare yourself as best possible. Here are some tips to ensure you remain safe and comfortable while doing this.
Invest in Some Decent Gear
Swimming in cold water is a huge shock to the system. While you can endure it and acclimatize to it, having some equipment to help with the cold is a great idea. Gear such as swimming gloves, a hat, and a rash vest will help keep your core and extremities protected from the cold.
Go With Other People
Some people only swim in a group anyway, but others may love the serenity of swimming alone. However, this can be risky, and in cold weather conditions, the chances of something going wrong are higher. If you went into shock from the cold with no one around, you could be in serious trouble.
Don’t Stay in Too Long
Once your body has gotten used to the initial shock of the water, you may start to get used to it and stop feeling the cold so intensely. While this can be nice, it can also be dangerous if it means you forget just how icy the water really is. Staying in too long can make you unwell, so be sure to keep it short and sweet.