Wild Swimming in Winter: How to Stay Safe & Warm
There's summer wild swimming .. and then there's winter wild swimming.
The water gets colder. The mornings get darker. Getting changed beside a lake becomes considerably less appealing.
And yet … There's something brilliant about it; cold air, mist on the water, empty beaches, frosty swims, oh and that first sip of tea afterwards.
If you're already hooked on wild swimming and want to keep going through the colder months, here's how to approach winter swimming safely and comfortably.
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Why go wild swimming in winter?
Because it's completely different.
Winter changes the experience of swimming outdoors. The landscape changes, the water feels different and the whole thing becomes much more of an adventure.
But colder water also means you need to take your preparation seriously.
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Is winter wild swimming safe?
Cold water requires respect at any time of year. Water below 15°C is considered cold water and can affect breathing and movement. Sudden immersion can trigger cold water shock, which can cause an involuntary gasp and rapid breathing.
Winter swimming therefore isn't about being "tough enough". It's about knowing the conditions, preparing properly and knowing when to get out.
Check the conditions
Before every winter swim, don't just check the forecast. Check the actual conditions too.
Before you get in, check:
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Water temperature – know how cold the water is and how that compares with your experience and planned swim.
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Weather – check the forecast, but also take a look outside the window! We all know how quick things can change!
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Wind – strong winds can make open water choppy and swimming more difficult.
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Tides – if you're swimming in the sea, check tide times and heights so you don't get caught out by a changing tide. Water Safety Scotland specifically recommends checking tide tables before coastal swimming.
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Visibility – fog, mist and poor weather can make it harder to see other swimmers, boats and hazards.
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Your entry and exit points – make sure you know exactly where you're getting in and out, and that you can do so safely.
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Water quality – check for pollution alerts and other water-quality warnings before you swim. The Safer Seas & Rivers Service (SSRS) provides water-quality information and pollution alerts across hundreds of UK swim spots.
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Local warnings – look for signs, notices or alerts about pollution, algae, currents, access or other hazards.
Water Safety Scotland recommends being prepared by checking the weather and tides, choosing your swimming spot carefully, going with a buddy and taking the right equipment. Their advice is well worth a read before heading out for an open-water swim.
And remember: if in doubt, don't go out. If the conditions don't feel right when you arrive, there's no shame in leaving the swim for another day.
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What should you wear for winter wild swimming?
There's no single outfit that works for everyone.
Depending on the conditions and your experience, you might choose:
- Wetsuit
- Swimsuit
- Neoprene swimming socks
- Swimming gloves
- Swim hat
- Tow float
The key is to understand what keeps you comfortable and safe.
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Why wear swimming socks in winter?
Cold feet can put a serious dampener on an otherwise brilliant swim. Wild swimming socks add insulation around your feet while also giving you protection when entering and leaving the water.
Swimming Wild's socks use 3mm neoprene, with reinforced soles and designs intended for open-water swimming.
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Don't forget your hands
Your hands can get cold quickly too.
Swimming gloves can help keep them warmer, particularly during colder autumn and winter swims.
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The most important part of winter swimming? Getting out.
It can be tempting to stay in because you're having an amazing swim.
Don't.
Your swim doesn't become more impressive because you stayed in for another five minutes while getting increasingly cold. Have a plan before you get in and know how long you're intending to swim, where you're getting out and what you're going to do immediately afterwards.
Have your warm clothes ready
This is where your changing kit becomes essential. Don't bury your warm clothes at the bottom of a rucksack.
Have everything ready:
1. Towel
2. Changing robe
3. Dry clothes
4. Thick socks
5. Hat and gloves
6. Warm drink
How to warm up after winter swimming
Get dry and dressed promptly, the longer you stay in your wet swimwear the colder you are going to get. Start with your core and get into warm, dry layers.
Have something warm to drink and give yourself time to warm back up.
If you're feeling unwell or unusually unwell after a swim, don't ignore it.
Winter swimming isn't about pushing through
One of the best things you can learn as a wild swimmer is when not to swim.
If the weather is awful, the water looks rough, you're exhausted or you simply don't feel right about it, leave it.
There will always be another swim, and sometimes the best winter swimming decision is staying on the shore with a flask of tea.
Your winter wild swimming checklist
Before you leave home:
☐ Check water conditions
☐ Check weather
☐ Tell someone where you're going
☐ Go with a buddy
☐ Pack your swim kit
☐ Pack warm clothes
☐ Take a tow float
☐ Plan your entry and exit
☐ Know your limits
Then go enjoy it.
Because yes, winter wild swimming is cold … but that's also exactly why it feels so ridiculously good.