Sandy from Swim the Wight shares this latest information about acclimatisation sessions to those who are new to cold water swimming. Ed
Swim The Wight is a Community Interest Company run by three, Level 2 STA Open Water swimming coaches with experience of sea swimming year-round. One of our aims is to support people who want to sea swim, to do so as safely as possible.
Immersing your body in cold water, which can reach about 5 degrees Celsius in February or March, when the sea temperature reaches its coldest, is an activity unfamiliar to most.
Cold water shock can put people, unacclimatised, at risk of drowning due to inhalation of water through uncontrolled gasping. Additionally cold shock can lead to heart problems due to the heart involuntarily working harder.
Hypothermia takes a little longer, occurring after 20 – 30 minutes and symptoms can be unpleasant and if left without intervention, can be dangerous.
Acclimatisation sessions
Swim The Wight offers acclimatisation sessions to those who are new to cold water swimming.
We want to encourage people to take advantage of the health giving benefits of open water swimming, but if you simply leap in, unprepared, you can be put off for life and expose yourself to unnecessary risks.
What’s covered
Our acclimatisation sessions cover, cold water shock, hypothermia, re-warming, hints and tips on what to do and what not to do, as well as information on topics such as tides and currents, safe entry and exit to the water and more.
Join the Sea Cafes
Thanks to funding received through Energise Me we are currently running two Sea Cafes on Saturdays, 10am in Yaverland and 1pm in Totland.
These are social swims, ideal for those new to sea swimming and wishing to build their confidence in the water, where you can meet other swimmers, form new friendships and put into practise what you have learnt during acclimatisation sessions. They encourage you to get active, exercise, build resilience and improve your health, particularly important for post-Covid recovery.
More to come
Swim The Wight is currently planning its next series of courses, for both the inexperienced sea swimmer, those wishing to improve their technique or wishing to take part in open water swimming events.
To find out more visit the Swim The Wight Website or email [email protected]
Image: luismarina under CC BY 2.0
