Cold Water Swimming

If you are one of the many people who have been dipping into the cold sea since lockdown started I salute you. If you are unable to get to the sea having cold showers are a good way to replicate the feeling and the benefits, minus the social aspect.

Benefits:

Studies have shown that cold water swimming can lower levels triglycerides and a homocysteine (high levels are linked to early development of heart disease).

Lowers blood pressure by activating the small muscles of the cardiovascular system. This reduces pressure on the heart.

A study found that frequent cold water swimming (3x a week) increased levels of norepinephrine, this may lead to a reduced pain perception.

Regular swimming can led to an improvement in general well-being in swimmers who suffered from rheumatism, fibromyalgia, or asthma.

Case studies have shown that cold water swimming has helped treat depression, with some participants being able to come off all medication after a given time. The hormone catecholamine increases with swimming and it activates the
sympathetic nervous system.

There is evidence to show cold water swimmers are more resistant to certain illness and infections.

Often people swim with other people, this is for safety but will also have benefits for your mental health. Especially during lockdown, having social interactions while remaining physically distanced.

Risks:

Graded exposure is needed to ensure that hyperventilation doesn’t occur. This is also known as cold water shock.

Short term exposure to cold water has immune benefits but repeated exposure without sufficient recovery may lead to a reduced immune function.

Hyperthermia is a risk with cold water swimming. You need to prepare with having appropriate clothing and maybe a hot water bottle to help to regain your normal body temperature.

Tips:

If you are having cold water showers start with just 10 seconds at the end of your usual shower. Increase the time each day until you are doing a few minutes.

Don’t heat up too quickly as you may get chill blains. So refrain from touching radiators.

Consider wearing a wetsuit.

Always swim with others.