You may think that swimming in cold water is one of the last things you'd dream of doing, but there's significant health benefits attached to it. IPRS Health clinician Hazel Rudder writes about her cold water swimming experience and why you should take the plunge.

On a cold December night, I took off my coat and stood in my swimming costume on the slipway of a secluded harbour. There was a full moon, but it was blocked by clouds whirling past in the stormy sky. The masts of boats rattled in the wind as the freezing waters lapped around their hulls. No turning back …this was it… a December moonlight cold water swim – the Polar Bear Swim.

This would be seen by most as the start of a very dark story – and to me a few months before, it would have seemed like madness. In truth, the harbour was lit by fairy lights, lifeguards shuddered in full dry suits on their paddleboards on the perimeters of the swim course, and glow sticks were handed to swimmers as they entered the dark waters, which were handed back and counted as we exited the water. There was a band playing, and warm soup was handed to swimmers on completion of the swim, along with a Polar Bear badge. The swim was in aid of a local cancer charity and the support, comradery and… yes – I’ll say it… “fun” was something unprecedented!

Cold water swimming is gaining in popularity and momentum as it sweeps the UK as a pastime, accessible by pretty much everyone over the age 16. Studies have been completed looking into the health benefits, and TV shows such as Countryfile are dedicating their airtime extolling the virtues of swimming outside, all year round. As a hardened surfer, I had never imagined that going into the sea a few times a week, with a bunch of people that I would never have crossed paths with – without a wetsuit – would be such fun, and so addictive. I have grown to love this crazy pastime and cannot imagine life without it now.

Benefits

Believe it or not there are some great benefits to performing cold water swimming! Here is a brief summary:

1. It boosts your immune system

The effects of cold water on the immune system have been studied widely. Cold water helps to boost the white blood cell count because the body is forced to react to changing conditions. Over time, your body becomes better at activating its defences.

2. It gives you a natural high

Cold water swimming activates endorphins. This chemical is what the brain produces to make us feel good during activities. Cold water swimming is also a form of exercise, and exercise has been proven to treat depression. Cold water swimming brings us close to the pain barrier. Endorphins are released when we’re in pain, to help us cope with it.

3. It improves your circulation

Cold water swimming flushes your veins, arteries, and capillaries. It forces blood to the surface and helps to warm our extremities. Repeated exposure adapts us to the cold.

4. It increases your libido

Cold water was traditionally seen to repress sexual urges. The fact is that it increases libido! A dip in some cold water boosts oestrogen and testosterone production, adding an edge to fertility and libido.

The benefits of increased libido include more confidence, higher self-esteem, and enhanced mood.

5. It burns calories

The heart has to pump faster in cold water and the body must work harder to keep everything warm while swimming. Overall, far more calories are burned during cold water swimming than swimming in warmer conditions. The idea that drinking cold water increases the number of calories you burn may be a myth, but it is a fact that cold water decreases your body temperature so much that the body must act.

6. It reduces stress

Cold water swimming places stress on the body physically and mentally. Many studies have identified the link between cold water and stress reduction. Cold water swimmers become calmer and more relaxed.

Of course, winter swimming is perfect with our coral plush swimming towel, which is soft, comfortable and warm.