Sea Swimming
Ever wondered why so many people willingly plunge into icy waters? Many of us strive to add something new and challenging to our lives through self development or maybe New Year’s resolutions. Among friends and family, cold water swimming has become an increasingly popular choice. Despite living by the sea and being seasonal open water swimmers, we’ve noticed a significant rise in year-round swimmers, especially since the pandemic. Sea swimming seems to be more than just a trend; it’s becoming a way of life for many.
Why try sea swimming?
There is more and more research being done into the positive effects that cold water has on us both mentally and physically. Doctors can now prescribe cold water therapy via social prescribers as a recommendation for someone. It really is a thing! It is low cost, connects us with nature and gets us outdoors in the fresh air.Benefits of Cold Water Swimming
The Challenge
To get yourself submerged in very cold water is a challenge, and overcoming that mind-over-matter and mind-over-body determination gives you a real sense of accomplishment. Having a sense of achievement can carry you through with a positive outlook once you are out of the water.
The Feel-Good Factor
When you come out of the water, your skin is literally glowing with afterburn and your body is flooded with feel-good hormones. People talk about the ‘buzz’ you get, and regular participants say that the buzz is addictive, and if they miss a swim, they really miss that feeling.
Community
Mental Health
Physical Health
Safety precautions
All these benefits are fantastic, but they can only be felt if serious cautionary advice is adhered to. First and foremost check the conditions both weather and water before you dive inCold Water Shock
This can occur within the first few minutes of entering the water. The sudden changes in temperature cause the body to respond with changes in circulation and breathing rates. One of the biggest dangers is an involuntary gasp as the body is submerged. Knowledge and preparation will give you the best opportunity to reduce risk.
What to do if you get cold water shock?
- Stay calm – as hard as it will be, try not to thrash around or swim hard.
- Keep your mouth away from the water
- Tilt your head back so your ears are under water and try to breathe normally
- Calmly make your way to land and get layered up and warm
For more information on the facts about cold water shock
Hypothermia
Once you are in the water and have gotten used to the temperature, all feels well. However, it is really important not to stay in too long, as your body temperature will continue to drop when you come out. Lots of dry, warm layers and a warm drink on hand to bring your body temperature up slowly will help prevent hypothermia.
Cramp
Cramp is difficult enough to deal with when you are warm, dry, and on land, let alone when swimming in cold water. Try to stay calm, relax the area, and call for help. If you have a tow float, you can hold onto it to avoid expending unnecessary energy trying to keep your head above water. Tow floats are a useful bit of kit worth investing in.
Hot Tips for Beginners
- Wear a wetsuit
- Immerse yourself gradually
- Wear a warm, woolly hat
- Stay close to shore
- Be visible
- Wear a tow float
- Have lots of warm, dry layers to put on after
- Swim with others, not alone
- Research the conditions (weather and water) before you go in
- Check if where you swim is safe
- Ensure your emergency contact is known
- Have a way to signal to other swimmers if you need help (universal sign of distress is one arm up above the head)
Places we recommend you sea swim in or near St Ives
Porthgwidden
The name Porthgwidden comes from the Cornish word for a cove ‘porth’ and ‘gwyn’ meaning white, translating to white cove. It’s teh smallest beach in St Ives and feels quite removed from the town hustle and bustle. It is on the east of The Island and is largely protected from the prevailing westerly winds. Strong tidal currents can race around teh headland, so it’s best to swim close to the beach.
Porthminster
We have already learned that ‘porth’ means cove but ‘mynster’ means church as there used to be a medieval chapel next to the beach. The straight strip of sand that makes up Porthminster is near the centre of St Ives. It’s bordered by green lawns, palm trees and agapanthus flowers providing a very tropical feel. The beach is very sheltered, only receiving swell in the biggest of Atlantic gales. The fact that access to the water is straightforward and there are lifeguards means it’s a great place for beginner sea swimmers.
Photo Credit: Matt Jessop
Carbis Bay
The fabulous white and velvety sand of Carbis Bay is the last beach as you leave the St Ives area. It is protected by a cliff covered in greenery as well as having a waterfall on the east side. Carbis Bay has a wonderful clear sea and the beach sand is divine. Carbis Bay is very sheltered and only receives swells during the biggest of westerly storms. It is lifeguarded and entry and exit from the sea is very straightforward during any tide. For this reason, it’s an attractive spot for beginners to sea swimming.
