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Water is much denser than air, that’s why it feels so much colder.
Below 15° you can experience cold water shock. At 10° you struggle to control your breathing. At 5° water feels as though it is burning your skin. And under 5° I climb into a pool and prepare to race.
I’m not superhuman. I’m Liv Meddings, ‘just’ a 44 year old mum of three, with no swim pedigree, who decided to try something new: cold water swimming.
Ditching the wetsuit to swim 'skins'
In Autumn 2020 I put my trusty wetsuit into hibernation to experience the dropping water temperatures by swimming in ‘skins’ (just a swimming costume).
I’ve always loved swimming but cold water swimming was something different – and I was instantly hooked. The initial chill that makes you question your sanity, the joy of the swim itself. Nothing beats a cold sunny day and the tinkling of floating ice, (sadly limited in the UK but worth every second).
The sense of achievement, shivering through the after drop, laughing with friends and the ensuing elation. That amazing post swim buzz that I can’t quite explain.
I wanted to chase the buzz of cold water swimming. I started recording my times in the water and I decided to try an 'Ice Swim' race.
Ice swimming
According to the International Ice Swimming Association (IISA), water must be 5°C or less for it to be considered ice swimming.
The ‘coup de grace’, is an Ice Mile, an epic feat I aspire to achieve at some point.
In all events, though, no matter how cold the water and whatever the distance, the rules are still the same: only a standard swimsuit, goggles and one swim cap can be worn. No neoprene and no thermal accessories.
Since discovering this somewhat niche (but rapidly growing) sport of ice swimming, I have been fortunate enough to be selected to represent Team GB to compete at the IISA World Championships in France 2023 and the IISA European Championships in Romania in 2024.
I also took part in the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA) World Championships in Estonia this year where the pool (the Baltic Sea) was just 0.8°C. When the water is that cold you get an instant lobster tan!
The international community is great, with familiar faces popping up at each event, generating friendly rivalry. Although a relative newbie I’ve enjoyed every second. It took cold water swimming to a whole a new level, I even managed to pick up a few Age Group medals along the way, which has been the icing on the cake!
Safety in cold water swimming
Winter swimming comes with some risks and it is important to be aware of these.
The Outdoor Swimming Society offers valuable advice for those ready to take the plunge, and many swim venues run cold water swimming induction sessions.
The icy water certainly adds an added dimension to outdoor swimming. Please don’t compare yourself with other swimmers, everyone adapts differently, and no two swims are the same. There are so many internal and external factors that can impact each swim.
Whether you choose to wear a wetsuit, bikini or something in between, it doesn’t matter – ultimately it’s about enjoyment and personal achievement. Who knows where it could lead!
How to stay safe when getting started in cold water swimming
If you're thinking about getting started in cold water swimming, or want to take the plunge into ice swimming, be sure to understand the sa
- Learn the signs of cold water shock and hypothermia
- Build up your tolerance slowly - this means start going 'skins' before the winter as well as building up your time in the water when it is cold!
- Get in the water slowly, this will help you to acclimatise. Splash your face, dunk your hands, control your breathing
- Swim with a buddy or find a group to cold water swim with. You can help each other if you start to show signs of cold water shock.
- Learn how to warm up effectively (& slowly) after your swim, and avoid after drop!
