Intro | Temperature | Visibility |
Safety | Weather Conditions
Temperature
Open water is likely to be colder than your local swimming pool, particularly if you are swimming in the UK.
How your body copes with the water temperature will hinge on body composition as well as how quickly you can become acclimatized to cooler temperatures.
However, you should take your time getting into the water so your body can adapt gradually to the conditions – diving straight in each time could leave you short of breath and you need your breathing to be as normal as possible before setting off on your swim.
The best thing to do is to lower yourself into the water gradually while splashing water over your torso, arms and face.
Get in and out of the water a few times before you begin your swim. Try staying in the water a few minutes to start with and build up from there.
During this process your body will start moving blood away from its surface area and extremities enabling you to stay in the water longer.
Another way of controlling water temperature is by employing specialist kit, particularly a good quality wetsuit that fits well, a swimming cap and possibly some footwear.
A wetsuit will not only help you keep warm but give you extra buoyancy.
If the water temperature is below 17°C it is recommended that you wear a wetsuit.
A swimming cap, made from either silicone or neoprene, is essential no matter how warm the water is as it is a useful safety device (particularly if it is in a bright colour) that will help you to be seen in the water. A cap will also ensure you retain body warmth.
You could also try wearing some specialist footwear, such as surfing shoes, if the water is very cold. Shoes will also help protect your feet from stones and so on as you are getting into and out of the water.
Getting out of the water after your swim also presents temperature issues and so it’s a good idea to quickly remove wet costumes, get nice and dry and then warm up immediately.
A warm drink will also help you re-acclimatize.