What Are The Benefits And Risks Of Cold Water Swimming?

Cold water swimming – sometimes referred to as open water swimming or wild swimming – is a great way to stay fit throughout the year. But remember, the colder the air and water temperature, the quicker you will cool down. So, the colder it is, the less time you should spend in the water.

00:00 intro
00:21 Body Temperature
01:00 Benefits of cold water
02:18 Pre-existing conditions
02:36 Hypothermia
03:18 After drop
04:22 Cold shock
05:25 Cold incapacitation
06:46 Cramps

Useful Links

Watch more on GTN...

Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images

🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound / Artlist 🎵

#gtn #triathlon #swimbikerun #swim #bike #run #coldwaterimmersion #coldwaterswimming #coldwater

The Global Triathlon Network (GTN) is the world's biggest triathlon YouTube channel, with new videos every day! GTN is for anyone who loves triathlon: from seasoned triathletes to first-timers – and everyone in between!

With the help of our former pro and Olympic medal-winning team, we’re here to inform, entertain and inspire you to become a better triathlete; including videos on:

- How to swim, bike, and run faster with expert knowledge
- Try our session ideas
- Investigations into wide-ranging topics
- The best triathlon bike tech and gear with pro-know-how
- In-depth, entertaining features from the heart of the sport
- Chat, opinion and interact with us across the channel and on social media!

Join us on YouTube’s best triathlon channel to get closer to the sport and to become a better, faster and fitter triathlete!

Welcome to the Global Triathlon Network.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Watch our sister channels:

[gtn]

Have you enjoyed cold water swimming? ❄

[SBoots]

I am now swimming in the lake by my house because it is cheaper than going to a pool. The water is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. YES! a little cool. I do a slow immersion by water on face and some down the wet suit to warm up that layer. I do keep the swim to 750 meters or less for now. What I find is it is a mental game to keep focused on the stroke and fight to not get panicked. My safety net is my wife is following with the pontoon boat to fish me out if things go side ways. (I endeavor to keep on her good side). Very accurate video and wish all athletes respect the water temperatures at all times. Cheers

[adrianmayhew]

As part of the team that wrote the research paper on minimising risks in cold water, I must congratulate the best video on the subject in a very long time - and to advertise Portsmouth University work by Tipton, Massey, Morgan who helped in the paper - well done GTN 👏

[alexandersoltesz]

I'm in love with cold immersion because of the mood boost it gives me, although I don't really swim in cold water because I don't really have the chance. It claimingly has a lot of health benefits that might or might not be properly backed up but would never give it up because it noticeably has so many good mental benefits. and I think no wonder more and more professional athletes apply cold exposure and ice therapy for recovery too.

[rollins]

Thanks for this video, actually validates why i cramped so bad a ironman arizona last november, water temp was forecast at 68, ended up being 61 or lower and i wansnt able to finish the swim due to cramp. I love your channel and videos!!! Keep it up!!!

[AnnLanigan]

Great and very informative video. I have been cold water swimming for nearly 10 years and love it. I totally agree it is not for everyone and you really need to be clued up and know your limits. We see far too many deaths in open water ussualy in warm spells when people who do know the dangers or their limits get in open water to cool off due to the high air temperature. Great video.

[TimWhild]

I think I'm going to die if the shower turns from scalding to lukewarm. Cold water immersion is nothing short of a medieval torture and I don't care how 'good it is for my muscles' 😂

[reneebradford]

My pool is currently 14 degrees my tip keep it short aim for ten minutes then add time over the days it is worth it once in it feels amazing its just the battle of the mind take your time getting in until your legs feel numb then go for it

[poppetrurazvan]

Please always wear the tyckets wet neopres on the market. The suits will provide a fantastic buoyancy. Newer swim without neoprene because you can catch rheumatism. My very best regards.

[GrumpyOldMan-pkmg]

In the wise words of the comedian Peter Kay … ‘it’s alright once you’re in “.

[kerrynball]

Seems like you need to test the 5 times to overcome shock therory on James :-)

[iggalan]

At how cold should we be taking extra precautions? I mean I participate in a triathlon where the water is 15°C which feels like very cold but sustainable after a couple of minutes. We're not allowed to get in the water slowly, you have to jump right in.

[federicomurero]

The guys that are doing those called races are mad! It's incredible what humans can do