Five ‘chill swims’ have been organised at Colwick Country Park throughout the winter for the bravest of swimmers.
Nottingham City Council have organised the swims following the success of regular summer open water sessions, which attracted fifty people at a time.
The first swim is being held on Saturday (November 19) with others planned for Boxing Day, January 21, February 18 and March 18.
The cost per session will be £6.50 or £4.50 for Absolute Triathlon Club members and all sessions will be supported by Colwick Park lifeguards.
The Boxing Day swim will cost £20 with proceeds going to the Teenager Cancer Trust.
Tips for taking the winter plunge
- During the winter you’ll need to acclimatise so that your body can adapt to the cold temperatures.
- Be aware that open water can be dangerous. Familiarise yourself with the condition before entering the water and make sure you can exit the water easily and quickly.
- Do not dive in unless you are used to cold water swimming. This can lead to cold shock and may be dangerous.
- Wear a swimming cap, it helps preserve your body heat. The thicker silicone caps are best, but if you do not have one, use two standard caps.
- Start with a quick dip but do not swim. Cold water can cause gasping of breath. Once your body has adjusted to the cold, you can gradually increase the time you spend in the water.
- Know your own limits for the length of time you can spend in very cold water – if you are not sure, err on the side of caution.
- Make sure you have plenty of warm clothes to put on afterwards, and a warm drink.
- Shivering is the body’s natural mechanism to maintain heat. If you shiver for more than a few minutes or continue to feel cold, you have stayed in too long.
- Do not swim in cold water after drinking alcohol or when ill.
Nottingham City Council portfolio holder for leisure, Dave Trimble, said: “Our open water swimming sessions over the summer were very popular, with hundreds of experienced and novice open water swimmers enjoying the freedom of swimming in open water.
“With that in mind we are embracing the cold weather and offering the exhilaration of chill swimming.
“The water temperature is likely to be 7 or 8 degrees at best so anyone wishing to take part should take note of our tips for safe cold water swimming.”
