winter swimming

Swimming in the winter is something we don't do very often. Still, it is becoming more and more popular to dive into a cold lake or puddle because it is good for your health and your mental state. And this is possible in the Netherlands, but also during your holiday in an ice-cold mountain lake, how idyllic does that sound with lifeguard class near me.



The 7 do's and don'ts during cold water swimming

It is better not to jump into a lake just like that, you have to prepare for this. That's why we like to share a number of do's and don'ts with you!

  • Listen to your own body
  • Start with a shower or bucket of water
  • go with someone
  • Choose a safe place
  • Don't stay in the water for too long
  • Prepare well
  • Make sure your head doesn't get too cold

1. Listen to your own body

Only enter the cold water when you feel good. Do not dive into the cold water in any case if you have heart, kidney or thyroid problems, epilepsy, high blood pressure or if you are pregnant. Also pay close attention to your body when you get out of the water. Ewout Staartjes says in the Champion that when you no longer get warm. You swam too long. Therefore, shorten your swimming session next time.

2. Start with a cold shower or bucket of water

Not sure if cold water swimming is for you or are you a bit hesitant? Then start with a cold shower or with a bucket of cold water. In winter, the water in nature is about 5 to 10 degrees colder than that from the tap with American lifeguard Va.



3. Go swimming with someone

Together is not only fun, but also a lot safer. You can help each other get out of the water and if something goes wrong you always have someone to help you with  American lifeguard Association Vienna.

4. Choose a safe place

Rijkswaterstaat has an overview of safe outdoor swimming areas. You can also download the bathing water app for this. It is certainly useful for cold water swimming that you choose a location where you can easily get in or out of the water. Think of a jetty with steps into the water or a beach where you can easily walk in and out of the water.

5. Don't stay in the water for too long

Cold numbs you, so don't rely on the feeling when you're in the water. Therefore, do not swim for more than 1 minute the first few times. You can of course build this up by adding 15 seconds at a time. Also pay attention to how you feel the rest of the day. 

6. Prepare well

Make sure you dive into the water fit and especially warm. You can warm up by first walking or cycling to the location of the lake. Take a thermos with nice hot coffee or tea for after swimming. Don't forget that warming up after that time is also very important. It is therefore not a luxury to bring extra thick socks.

7. Keep your head warm

A hat ensures that your head does not cool down. And that is very important that that does not happen during cold water swimming. If you don't put your head under water, you can just put on a wool hat. Otherwise, you can opt for a bathing cap. 

When do you take your first dive into nature?

Now that you know the do's and don'ts, you can plan your first dive in the middle of nature. Would you like to discover what the benefits are for you personally? Then you can always choose to keep a log. Write down the time and moment of the cold water swim and how you feel after that time.

If you have an Appplewatch or Ouraring, you can also see how your sleep and heart rate respond to a dive in the cold water. And don't worry, you probably feel so good after the first cold water dip that you really want to do it more often. It becomes such a ritual. 

Would you rather go into an ice bath in your own backyard? We can help you with that. View our products!