Kirsty Hogben - Sea Swim Confidence Coach

19/06/2026

Big progress today - longest swim so far and it looked so strong.

18/06/2026

After speaking on Good Morning Britain about cold water shock, I wanted to share this again before the hot weather returns this weekend 🌊

Cold water can trigger panic in seconds - your breathing changes, your heart rate spikes, and your instinct is to fight the water.

That’s why we teach float to live.

Eyes to the sky. Ears in the water. Relax your body. Let the water hold you.

It’s a simple skill, but it can be life-saving.

If you want to feel more confident, calm, and safe in open water, I coach 1:1 and small groups in sea swimming and confidence in open water. I also offer online support/virtual coaching if you’re not local.

DM me “SWIM” and I’ll send you details.

Please share/repost

08/06/2026

Cold water shock can happen to anyone - even strong swimmers.

I recently went on Good Morning Britain to demonstrate the “float to live” technique and talk about what actually happens when your body hits cold water.

Most of the risk comes in the first moments: the involuntary gasp, the spike in breathing, and the shock your nervous system feels when warm skin meets cold water.

In this blog I break down:
• Why cold water shock happens
• The gasp reflex explained simply
• Why spring is often the most risky time
• How to prevent it with safe entry and breath control
• The “Float to Live” technique
• Cold water safety tips for swimming in Kent

If you swim in the sea, wild swim, or are building confidence in cold water - this is essential knowledge.

Read the full guide below 👇

https://www.kirstyhogben.com/news/cold-water-shock-how-to-prevent-it-kent-open-water-safety-guide

Learn how to prevent cold water shock with expert guidance from Kent-based open water swim coach Kirsty Hogben, featured on Good Morning Britain. Understand the gasp reflex, why it happens in spring, and how safe entry, breath control, and the “Float to Live” technique can keep you safe in cold ...

07/06/2026

This week I was featured in The Observer talking about one of the biggest issues in our seas right now - sewage in UK waters.

It’s something many swimmers are already noticing, and it raises important questions about safety, access, and what we’re actually swimming in.

For me, sea swimming has always been about connection, confidence, and healing - but we also need honesty about what’s happening in our waters so people can make informed choices.

Grateful to be part of this conversation and to keep speaking up for safer, more transparent seas 🌊

Read the full article here 👇

Swimmers and beachgoers feel ‘powerless’ in the face of increasing filthy overflows, in some coastal areas already topping the whole of 2025

02/06/2026

This morning I was on Good Morning Britain talking about something I really care about - keeping people safe in cold water ☺️🌊

If you’ve ever felt that shock when you first go in… you’ll know how powerful it is. It can be overwhelming in seconds, even for strong swimmers!

A few things I really want people to remember:
• Go in slowly, don’t jump or dive
• Your body may gasp - try to stay still and let it pass
• Float, breathe, then find your exit

It’s not about fear, it’s about understanding what your body does so you can stay safe.

If this helps even one person today, please do share! 🌊

01/06/2026

28/05/2026

Join us for the Blue Moon gathering this Sunday at Mermaid Beach from 7:30pm 🌕🌊

Two full moons in one month only happens every few years, and the next one won’t be until 2028!

Where/when:

🏝️ Mermaid Beach (west side, the beach in front of Mermaid Café) at 7:30pm. We’ll be down on the beach closer to the sea.

What:

🔥 A simple beach fire under the full moon
✨ A friendly, welcoming community for over 6 years

Coming on your own? You’ll be absolutely fine - just come say hi, people are lovely 💛

🏊‍♀️ Some people may choose to swim, but this is not a supervised or coached session. Please only enter the water if you feel confident in open water and take full responsibility for your own safety.

What to bring:
🪵 Wood for the fire (if you can)
🥤 Snacks / drinks / music / anything to share
Or just yourself

Kids welcome
Always free to attend.

Come connect with the sea, the moon, and each other 🌕🌊🔥
Feel free to share this with your friends!

Any questions, message me or check Folkestone Sea Swimmers FB page!

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Disclaimer:
This is a free, informal community meet-up and not an organised or supervised event. By attending, you are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing. No instruction, lifeguarding, or duty of care is provided. Any activities (including swimming or use of fires) are undertaken at your own risk. Please be mindful of tides, weather, and sea conditions.
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24/05/2026

This is what community looks like 🌊💙
Sandgate in the water together. Sandgate is now an official bathing water beach! Thank you .work for the amazing footage. Give them a follow!

23/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who came down to support the Sandgate bathing water designation 🌊

What a lovely turnout and such a great morning. thanks to everyone who came along, and also to those cheering us on who couldn’t make it this time 💙

What a community.

Thank you so much .uk for coming down and capturing the amazing shot 📸

The sea brings good people together.

20/05/2026

So excited that Granville Parade Beach (in front of the rowing club) has officially been designated as a DEFRA bathing water beach 🌊

This means our sea is now regularly tested and recognised as a proper swimming beach - something to celebrate together!

We’re one of only a few towns in the UK to achieve this, and it’s all down to our amazing community pushing for cleaner water.

Join us this Saturday at 10am for a celebratory community swim, dip or paddle - or just come down and be part of the beach gathering 💙
Let’s get a big community photo!