Is your teen keen to wild swim with friends? Or perhaps you’re planning a first-time family river dip? Or maybe just a short solitary swim in the sea to escape on your own this summer? Arm the family with these simple tips before you dip your toe in the water.
1. Never swim alone.
Always swim with others, or at least have someone on the shore nearby.
2. Pick your spot well.
Look for a safe spot with shallow entry and exit points and no sudden deep spots. Check for glass and sharp stones and always swim within your depth and close to the shore.
3. Be prepared.
Drum it into the kids and make sure everyone understands that, if the water is cold (very likely in UK waters), you will lose control of your breathing for a few minutes. Anticipating the gasp reflex that accompanies cold water shock is half the battle. Keep your head above water and exhale as you enter the water which works with the natural contraction of your rib cage. Simply knowing it may happen helps you deal with it.
4. Get your breathing under control.
Get used to the cold water shock slowly and stay in the water at least until you bring your breathing under control (usually 5 to 10 minutes for a beginner) and for no longer than 20 minutes. If you start shivering and your teeth are chattering, get out and get warm.
5. Build up slowly.
It takes four to six swims before an adult body gets used to the cold water shock.
6. Keep kids warm.
Most wild swimmers want to feel the water on their skin but children, and those who want to stay in longer, should wear a wetsuit. Start with a warmer lake swim if you’re concerned about the cold water and build up to a dip offshore.
7. Be seen.
A bright coloured silicone swim cap will keep you warm and make you more visible.
Nearly wild swims
Swimming in rivers and the sea can be scary if you’ve never swum beyond a public swimming pool before. If children aren’t quite ready for a wild swim, build confidence by trying them in an open water venue first. Manned by lifeguards, they can try out the feeling of wild swimming with the confidence that they are safe and different length loops offer challenges to all abilities. Find your nearest at swimming.org.
If you have an underlying heart or health condition, seek your GP’s advice first.