Is A Christmas Day Swim Right For Me?
The impact of the cold water means that it’s sensible for some people to avoid cold water swimming. For example, this includes people who are pregnant, have respiratory or heart conditions, high blood pressure or are recovering from a chest infection or fever. If you have any of these conditions then you should avoid a festive dip, or seek medical advice before considering it. If you’ve got alcohol in your system or are hungover then you should also give it a miss, as this can be dangerous for a number of reasons.
Wear A Wetsuit
You’re likely to see a lot of people braving their Christmas day swim in just a swimsuit or trunks, however if you want to keep yourself warm then it’s really best to wear a wetsuit and neoprene boots - this will also help to give you more buoyancy in the water. If you can, it’s also a good idea to wear a brightly coloured swim cap. This will help to keep you even warmer, whilst also making you more visible in the water.
Enter The Water Slowly
As tempting as it might be, don’t dive or jump. This puts you at risk of cold water shock which can cause you to hyperventilate and panic. Instead, take your time, and enter the water gradually, taking some time to get your breathing under control before you immerse your shoulders. It helps to stand waist deep and splash a little water on your cheeks in order to help your body acclimatise to the cold before you immerse the rest of your body.