31/12/2025
New Year’s Day Swims
They are so much fun, what ever your plans are make them a great one.
After the sad news over Christmas thought I just put a little reminder of what to think about before going in.
Just because it’s a organised swim it doesn’t mean you have to do it.
How am I feeling today?
If you’re not feeling 100%, don’t go in. There’s always another swim.
Running into cold water
Cold water shock is real. When you enter cold water, your body can gasp involuntarily. If you run and jump in, that gasp can cause you to inhale water, which is where it becomes dangerous.
Enter the water slowly. Talking out loud, shouting, or even laughing helps you control your breathing. Don’t hold your breath — making lots of noise is safer (and more fun!).
Fancy dress
For organised fun swims, we often wear costumes. Just remember: once wet, they become heavier. Stay within your depth and don’t overdo it.
For novelty swims like this, just getting wet is enough. If you do want to stay in longer, with current water temperatures, limit yourself to a few minutes unless you’re experienced.
Wind chill
Think about the walk back up the beach. Wind chill will make you feel much colder, and warming up will be harder.
Get out, get dressed quickly, then enjoy some cake and a hot drink.
After-drop
Your swim is not over when you get out of there water, it’s important to get dried and dressed quickly, your body temperature will continue to drop for some time after you get out, keep moving it helps to warm up
Most importantly
Make sure someone takes a photo or video — if there’s no photo, it didn’t happen 😉
Enjoy your swims — they’re great fun. But remember: if you don’t feel like going in, don’t go in. It’s your swim, no matter what anyone else is doing.
Keep it simple
In slowly
Out & Dressed quickly
Enjoy the laughter & Joy for the rest of the day
Happy New Year to you all, and best wishes for 2026
