These names are interchangeable COLD WATER SWIMMING, WILD SWIMMING, OPEN WATER SWIMMING,
Most of us love a paddle at the seaside or taking a little dip to cool off on a hot summer's day, especially in childhood, these memories can be magical and can shape our relationship with open water into adulthood.
But go any deeper than mid-calf and some people get nervous, I have had adults express concern to me that it is not safe to encourage children to cold water swim because of the fear of them drowning.
While this is a valid concern, open water swimming can be dangerous at any age, and this is why I believe, not only is it important to encourage our children to wild swim but it is a must, for the health and emotional benefits of course, but also because we need to be teaching children how to be safe in open water.,
Just like we teach children road safety,
it is another important life lesson, to learn to respect the water, to know when and where it is safe to swim, and to know their personal limits, so they are able to understand when it is not safe to swim, and so make better decisions.
Sadly "In 2021, 277 people died after drowning in the UK,
compared to 254 in 2020 and 233 in 2019. " (Sky News)
These statistics cover all drownings in the UK not just in open water but It is only with better education about open water swimming that this trajectory will be turned around.
This summer, 2022 we were blessed where I am in the UK, to have a string of gloriously hot sunny weeks, our local lake which is normally pretty much just the domain of the local 'Bluetits' swim group and an outwards bounds school, suddenly as the temperature hit the mid 30's C + became a hub of new visitors, dippers and swimmers, numbers shot up to what felt like everyone in the county and their dog!
It was lovely seeing non-regulars having fun, enjoying the water, enjoying nature and leisurely cooling off, but scarily there were also groups of teenagers jumping off the back quarry cliff into the water below, whilst the water is very deep there, there is a rock shelf at the base of the cliff that sticks out under the water and would be easy to clip when diving in, especially as some of the teens were drinking alcohol, and looking to impress the onlookers with somersaults and backwards dives into the cool water below, the regular cold water swimmers warned them all that we could.
I can't help but think, that if as younger children these teens had learned about wild swimming / cold water safety they would not be acting in such a risk-taking manner now.
Jumping from a very warm air temperature into cold water, head first over rocks, is all a recipe for potential disaster.
Wild swimming, as with most things in life, has its dangers, but these can be minimised by abiding by some simple safety tips, and the health and wellbeing benefits I believe far out way the negative.
Some key safety tips based on my own experience;
NEVER SWIM ALONE
Always swim with a proficient swim buddy, for children make sure this is a responsible adult.
CHECK WATER SAFETY
First check the water is safe to swim in, check local information about tides, currents, depth, water quality and access before you begin. Only swim where it is safe to. Keep away from pondweeds, waterfalls and white water.
Use good judgement, do not swim in water that doesn't look safe or clear,
Do not swim in canals.
PLAN YOU EXIT
Know how to safely get in and out of the water before you enter it.
WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR
A buoyancy aid if needed, a tow float for visibility, water-shoes often ease getting in and out of the water. Hat, swimsuit, swim gloves, and goggles can all be added if and when necessary.
DON'T GET TOO COLD Get out of the water while you still feel you could do more, remember your body temperature can continue to drop after you get out of the water. get dressed quickly into warm layers, gentle exercise and sipping a warm drink can help. warm-up before and after a swim. Be aware of after-drop.
STAY CLOSE
While you are getting used to the water stay close to the shore/ bank and increase your range slowly.
ADJUST TO THE COLD Allow your body to get used to the water temperature, slow steady breaths will help you.
NO DIVING
Entering the water fast/head first can cause the body to go into cold shock.
LEARN YOUR LIMITS
Everyone one's swim is different, learn what suits you. Stay close to the exit until you know your limits and how your body reacts.
Most importantly Enjoy your swim - Never force it!
Lastly to get the benefits from cold immersion, If you are not comfortable with going wild swimming or don't live near a suitable, safe open water area you can still get a lot of the physical and emotional health benefits from the comfort of your own shower.
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