The annual tradition has changed Amber O’Connor’s mind about winter dips
Having grown up by the seaside, I’m no stranger to the New Year’s Day swim. Every year, I join the crowds lined up on the clifftop to watch the brave fundraisers on the beach below. When the klaxon starts, the group charges into the sea.
Some run out screaming a few seconds later, but most stay for a short swim in the choppy waves. It’s very entertaining and raises money for a good cause, but I had never been tempted to join them, at least until January 2023.
Despite years spent as a cynical onlooker, wrapped in a woolly hat, scarf, and gloves, I decided to give the cold dip a go. I wanted to see if I could do it, hoping it wouldn’t be as horrible as I anticipated, and it turned out to be one of the best things I did all year.
Why am I telling you this? It’s certainly not to persuade you to try the New Year’s swim if you’re set against it. But if, like me, you’re just a little bit curious, maybe it’s worth giving it a go. Cold water swimming is not without risk, and it’s important to take care whenever you’re heading into open water. Yet if you’re confident in your swimming ability and fancy trying out the popular tradition, there’s lots to be gained from it.
Cheryl Lythgoe, Matron at Benenden Health, tells the Mirror: “Repeatedly activating the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system can build resilience to stress in the body. Some even suggest that this improves the immune system’s response to stress and decreases the likelihood of viral infections.
“Psychologically, cold water swimming can help you centre yourself and practice ‘being in the moment.’ Concentrating on breathing exercises while having a dip, and taking in the natural environment, can be positive for your overall wellbeing.”
While I didn’t expect to notice any physical health benefits after my five-minute swim, I loved being totally in the moment. Crashing into the sea with my sister felt euphoric, even if we couldn’t help but shriek a little. Yes, it was cold. Yes, it stung. But I loved it so much, I now want to make the swim a family tradition.
The RNLI has shared lots of great tips for swimmers keen to take on the challenge to help participants stay safe in the water. As the experts warn: “Cold water shock is a major cause of drowning and can happen when people enter water that is colder than around 15 degrees C. The best way to avoid cold water shock when taking part in a dip is to wear a wetsuit. If this isn’t possible, the RNLI encourages people to walk into the sea slowly and to stay in shallow water to allow your body to acclimatise to the cold water.”
Nick Ayres, RNLI Community Safety Partner, adds: “Before going in, we urge people to remember the risks of cold water shock and what to do if it happens to them. The simple act of floating could save a life.
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“Swimmers also need to be aware of large waves which can unexpectedly knock them off their feet. Cold water shock causes uncontrollable gasping, which increases the risk of swallowing water and puts a strain on the heart. In extreme cases it can cause cardiac arrest.
“If you’re suffering from cold water shock, you should fight your instinct to thrash around and swim hard, instead just lie back and float. The initial shock should pass in less than a minute, and when you have regained control of your breathing, you can then try swimming to safety or calling for help.”
If you spot someone in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.