The countdown is on for #Coldtober!!
Twenty+ different locations around Ireland saw participants take part by going for a swim every day for this 31-day challenge in their local sea swimming area.
By registering to Coldtober you agree to the Terms & Conditions
Make sure you are prepared before hitting the water.
Here are our top tips for swimming in cold water:
👉🏼 Choose the right clothing - Going into very cold water (typically less than 10c) can cause numbness and pain, particularly in the extremities, such as the hands and feet. Neoprene socks and gloves can help protect your hands and feet.
👉🏼 Always warm up beforehand - In order to better handle the cold water shock when entering the water, a quick jog beforehand can help increase your core temperature and heart rate.
👉🏼 Enter the water slowly - Entering the water gently allows your core body temperature to cool more slowly, and you get used to the water as temperatures drop.
👉🏼 Keep close to the shore - No matter your experience, it is always safest to swim close and parallel to the shore.
👉🏼 Don’t swim alone - If possible swim in an area where lifeguards can supervise or use a buddy system.
👉🏼 Get dressed in warm clothes and put on a changing robe as soon as you exit the water - your body can continue to cool for approximately 20-30 minutes. This means that your deep body temperature will be cooler up to 30 minutes after your swim, than when you get out of the water. In other words, warming up immediately after your swim is vital.
