Open-water swimming is on trend and has grown in popularity since covid. People went swimming in rivers, lakes and the sea and not only in summer. A dedicated group of cold water enthusiasts take to open waters all year round.
Swimming has been known for decades to be a great exercise, but even though the UK is an island, most swimming occurs in indoor pools. The main reason is that the waters around the island are cold, which deterred people from bathing apart from during June, July and August. Over the last five years, wild water / open water swimming has seen a growth in people taking to lakes, rivers and the sea as they recognise the benefits of combining the physical exercise of swimming and being immersed in cold water.
Health benefits.
a natural high
Cold water swimming activates endorphins. This chemical is what the brain produces to make us feel good during activities. Cold water swimming is also a form of exercise and has been proven to treat depression. Cold water swimming brings us close to the pain barrier.
boosts your immune system
The effects of cold water on the immune system have been studied widely. The cold water helps to boost the white blood cell count because the body is forced to react to changing conditions. Over time, your body becomes better at activating its defences.
improves your circulation
Repeated exposure adapts us to the cold. Cold water swimming flushes your veins, arteries, and capillaries. It forces blood to the surface and helps to warm our extremities.
It burns calories
The heart has to pump faster in cold water, and the body must work harder to keep everything warm while swimming. More calories are burned during cold water swimming than in warmer conditions.
reduces stress
Cold water swimming places stress on the body physically and mentally. Many studies have identified the link between cold water and stress reduction. Cold water swimmers become calmer and more relaxed.
increases your libido
Cold water was seen to repress sexual urges. It increases libido!
A dip in cold water boosts oestrogen and testosterone production, adding an edge to fertility and libido.
The benefits of increased libido include more confidence, higher self-esteem, and enhanced mood.
socialising and making friends
There is a great sense of community and camaraderie amongst cold water swimmers. Nothing brings people together like facing a challenge and sharing the experience as a group.
There are ongoing studies into the effects of cold-water swimming and menopause. It is difficult to prove that it is precisely the cold water that is having the positive impact – as socialising and doing exercise will improve general health and wellbeing. What's not to like?
Safety
Acclimatise
Get in the water slowly and adapt to the temperature. Immerse your body and keep it underwater. When the temperature drops as the seasons change, keep swimming, and your body will get used to the cold. It is best to start open-water swimming during the summer months and build up through autumn as temperatures drop. You will get used to colder water but don't get complacent, as regular swimming is different.
Be safe
Use common sense when determining when and where to swim. Open water can be dangerous. Swim where it is safe, and ensure you can enter and exit the water quickly and easily. If it is blowing a gale and the water crashes onto the shore, it is best to give it a miss.
No diving
Do not dive or jump in unless you are used to the cold water. Cold water can cause gasping of breath and cold-water shock, which can be extremely dangerous.
Know your limits
The general rule is that you can spend 1 minute per degree of water temperature in the water; you need to listen to your body. As the temperature drops, decrease the time you spend in the water. In winter, swimmers often only swim for one or two minutes at a time.
Warm up slowly
Don't have a hot shower. Hot water can cool your core, and it can be dangerous. Instead, make sure you have plenty of warm clothes, wrap up well and have a hot drink.
Join a group.
I started swimming alone in the Solent but am always aware that nobody else is around or the occasional dog walker staring at me, thinking, "he must be mad". I now know there are loads of groups around the UK sharing the passion for open-water swimming. I looked on Facebook for local groups and found around six in my county. Not only is it safer to swim with others, it means you socialise, and this benefits us mentally as humans need to mix.
I have set up a Facebook group for people in the Solent area called Stokes Bay Swimmers. We meet at GAFIRs on Stokes Bay in Gosport.

Equipment.
I first started swimming only in trunks with my fins on my feet. Hardcore.
I swim all year, so this approach was acceptable when swimming in the sea from March-ish until November. But as I got keener to spend more time swimming and not just freezing, I realised I needed to purchase some kit to let me stay in the water longer. I have used Cressi equipment since I bought fins and a mask to go to France in 1984. Brand loyalty is indeed a significant influence on purchasing equipment. However, if I can find a product that works as well or is better than a branded name and is cheaper, I will get it. As Tesco say, "every little helps."
Thanks to Andark Diving and Watersports, I got kitted with some fabulous products to enhance my open-water swimming and enable me to swim all year.
I still swim in winter with shorts on but now wear these products, allowing me to stay in longer.
HYDRON THERMAL WETSUIT from DHB sport offers 5mm of protection which is amazing. It is proving a godsend in the sea.
Regular price£160.00
Andark Diving & Watersports is an ideal place to visit; they have regular swimmers meet there, and it is social. They organise events to get swimmers together and have excellent facilities with parking close to the changing rooms.
Facilities at Andark lake.
They have good-sized, clean Changing rooms with showers. On some days, they have an outdoor Sauna available which is superb to nip in and out of, getting the full benefits of heat and cold, like the Romans established.
At Andark Lake, a qualified Lifeguard is onsite and checks the lake regularly.
Andark insists swimmers sign in inside the Cafe and sign out when leaving. When the temperature drops below 15 Celsius, you have to wear headwear and use a tow float.