Wild Swimming Quickie! | 11°C Cold Water Immersion In A River In March

Cold water has lots of reported health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, mood, energy levels, metabolism, circulation and mental fortitude. Just a quick one today, I'll try and do a longer video on cold water swimming when I have more time :D

Cold water can be dangerous if it isn't respected. Here's some cold water safety;

- Don't go alone
- Never jump in - ease yourself in slowly, to avoid shocking your body. If you shock your body, you will involuntarily gasp due to the cold, which can cause you to inhale water (drown)
- It will take your breath away - control your breathing and don't allow yourself to hyperventilate
- Stay within your depth and always avoid fast moving water and strong currents
- Wear water shoes to protect your feet
- Don't stay in long - I was in for 3 minutes here, but do even less if needs be. Always come out before you start shivering. Hyperthermia only usually becomes a risk after 30 minutes, but listen to your body
- Before getting in, make sure you can easily get out
- Stay close to the edge while you check that your body can handle the drop in temperature and that you can maintain normal use of your limbs
- If it doesn't feel right, get out
- Bear in mind that your body temperature will continue to drop for 10 minutes after you get out of the water - this is called 'after drop' and is the result of the cooled blood in your extremities returning to your core
- Go in warm, and have a towel, lots of warm clothes and a warm drink ready for when you get out
- Don't drive until your temperature has returned to normal
- Never go straight from cold water into a hot shower - let your body temperature return to normal first
- Don't do a cold water immersion if you have heart or other health conditions that may make it especially dangerous
- It is always best to start wild swimming in the summer months, and continue regularly into the colder months to allow your body to gradually acclimatize to colder and colder water

And then of course all the normal wild swimming safety applies too - always do your own research and get the relevant advice first - I'm not an expert :)

Thank you so much for watching 😊 Claire 🌿🐻

#ColdWaterImmersion #WildSwimming #RiverSwimming #Nature #ColdWater

[davidpayne]

I wouldn't find me walnuts for a week 😁😉😏🤔✌👍👋

[Matty]

There’s goes a free spirit if ever I saw one. ✌️

[Improveng]

Have you ever considered skinny dipping Claire, in the name of scientific research of course?

[JamesWilliam]

Watch out for shopping trolleys and old bikes! 😛

[johnfoster]

That would give me a heart attack. Be careful sweetheart. Love your adventures.

[basejump]

Fantastic way to keep your heart healthy. Well done 👍

[WyeExplorer]

Yep, you got a swim in. At least it wasn't just a dip with swim on the thumbnail. Good going. Mark

[hazzardoutdoors]

I call it bloody cold but whatever....

[davidroberts]

Oh my god 11•c refreshing really. Your a tough nut Claire

[psychobiotch]

I know you can't do it on YouTube, but I skinny dip my cold-water immersion. No cold, wet clothes to have to deal with. Drying off and getting warm is much quicker.

[stephenscrutton]

Brave girl Claire... But no thanks. Lol. Know wot lives in them ponds... But you enjoyed it and that's all that matters. Live free.

[valintine]

One of the best things you can do for your physical and mental wellbeing. That said, I would prefer it to be slightly warmer !😁

[BourneOutside]

I just couldn't and, I take my hat off to those that do. Well, I couldn't this time of year anyway! 😀

[alastairkerr]

Thank you for lifting my spirits, every time.

[thelonemoomin]

"Certainly Refreshing!" Understatement of the century 🤣

[iknowyoureright]

I was wild camping in mournes, Northern Ireland this week right by Lough shannagh, got up at 6am, down to the boxers and went in………made it up to the belly button…..😂 couldn’t get any further, splashed the water all over myself but just couldn’t go under, my breathing went crazy. I did feel amazing afterwards, with even just my half effort, I’ll make it next time, I’ll take my time. I need to get me one of those wee temperature takers of the water devices……lol.

[jobloggs]

In your description you say hyperthermia is a risk. This is the body becoming too hot. Think you mean hypothermia?!! Just saying...

[mickybetts]

I tried snorkeling in a duck pond once here in Paignton, bad idea! Turns out a hundred years of duck poo is toxic! Had to go wash off in the sea but my lips were stinging and the smell!!! .. 😱

[ivafatRRRs]

Tingling all over....
Just like bein tazered (less the water mind!.)

[hoani]

I think you might be a little crazy Ha, .Ha, Ha 11Deg that's mad .