Wasn't really sure what to put this under, but if you fancy a quick icy dip!!

can't swim so it's a no from me, would love to be able to swim and had several lessons over the years but still can't........

I think you're all mad!!
Give me a hot bath any day!

ginster I would say plunge straight in

I used to do this even in swimming pools. Dive in at the deep end is the only way for me. Can't be doing with slow immersion via ladders.

Or you could come here and wash/shower/bathe.

Our central heating boiler has packed up...

Even if you are brave enough to go in with just a swimsuit you need wetsuit boots and gloves in winter.

I wouldn't mind doing cold water swimming if I could have one of those Victorian bathing huts to get dressed in. Preferably with a maid holding pre-warmed towels and brewing a fresh pot of tea

Cold water swimming is something that I really think is beneficial.

Never done it though?

Bikergran I m not tough at all it’s just a matter of taking the plunge (literally) and giving it a go in these temperatures I stay in for 5-8 minutes A young fit lifeguard told me no more than 5 minutes through January/ February
Yes baggs a cold water shower is very good for you ( I believe) and yes it is dipping more than swimming I m not a great swimmer and do a bit of breast stroke and a lot of water jogging around (I find I have to keep moving) but I know people who are everyday swimmers but say getting your hair wet gets you shivering so definitely a hat if your going to swim properly
ginster I would say plunge straight in I find it easier in the water than out I feel more cold changing afterwards and if you want to give it a go do no more than five minutes in the temperatures now I did ten minutes through November but it’s not really about length of time the cold is supposed to get all your organs revved up ( including the brain) so longer isn’t necessarily better

I have taken up open water swimming in the last couple of years we are lucky that we’ve got a managed lake nearby which has a swimming club. We have to have an induction session and wear a tow float. Cold water is good for arthritis and the immune system and is certainly exhilarating and addictive. I’ve done 4 degrees but don’t stay in for more than 10 minutes at that temperature. I wear a wetsuit in the winter. I’m booked in for 10 am Christmas Day! If you have Netflix there’s a lovely documentary called the Ponds about people who go swimming on Hampstead Heath, it seems a lovely community

Well done all you sturdy cold-water swimmers. I get up at 5.30 to use the learners’ pool at the gym, because the water in there is warm.
Bikergran it’s -1 in my bit of Lancashire so I’m even less likely to venture into the sea!

I shiver getting into a hot shower for some weird reason! If I go to the swimming baths or the sea on holiday it takes me ages to get in. I would love to do open water swimming, but I know it's not for me. I've seen the Methyr Mermaid and she's brilliant. I take my hat, or should that be all my clothes off to her

Hmm. I was too cold when scuba diving in tropical waters so not for me, thanks.

I once tried to swim off the north-west coast of Scotland. I only did about three strokes before I thought I'd go solid. Got out pronto.

I've noticed that most cold water swimmers don't put their heads under water (many of them wear woolly hats). I can't swim without my head going under. It's how I was taught as a child and it's better for your back and neck as well as being more efficient. I guess cold water dipping isn't really about swimming though.

Will a cold bath or shower do?

Bluebell you must be a tough cookie! hats (and clothes) off to you.

Oh Casdon Ive put it on my "to watch list for later" when I am in bed tonight tucked up lol

I would like to do this when we are at our seaside cottage. We swim during the summer but usually no later than September.

Bluebell - do I start gradually or just plunge in? How long do you stay in for?

bikergran if that’s amazing, you should definitely watch this, it was on BBCWales last week. She trains by sitting in the freezer!
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000qnb4/the-merthyr-mermaid

I was swimming 8.30 am yesterday morning in the North Sea I believe the sea is now about 5* I probably could manage colder but it’s the blooming changing afterwards which I find cold, It’s the extremities your feet are freezing on the sand and fingers a bit numb but I don’t notice that when I m in the water ….it’s fun about 40 people went in 99% women most stay in 5/10 minutes
I m doing a few more over Christmas I believe the water is at its coldest in January I ll let you know ?
That -20 is unbelievable I can’t imaging it being colder than what I m in I suppose it probably feels the same when it gets to a minus degree you just cut down on the length of time you’re exposed to it
I think the northern countries folk are tough well done her that ll wash away the viruses

...and I thought DD's 4 degree swim last weekend in a local lake was bad/good enough. brrrrrr

Well I was feeling nice n snug sat here in bed, until I read this, made me shiver through to the bone.

It's 1 degree here in Lancashire, feels quite warm after watching this ! lol