ENJOYING COLD WATER SAFELY

12 Tips For Cold Water Dipping

Best tips for enjoying cold water safely

Top tips to ensure you enjoy cold water safely (I couldn't limit it to 10!).


  1. Consult a doctor if you have any underlying health conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart condition, pregnancy or asthma).
  2. Start slowly - 30 or 60s in a shower is a great way to start
  3. Wear a wetsuit if need to acclimatise to the colder water (neoprene gloves and socks are also options)
  4. Start in warmer water (summer) and continue into autumn and winter
  5. Ease yourself into the water - control your breathing as your body gets used to the cold
  6. Do it with others - so you can keep an eye on each other and enjoy the experience
  7. Make it social - share the experience with others and keep each other motivated
  8. Don't stay in too long - If you start to feel stiff in the water - then get out and get warm
  9. Go to 'managed' location where there are lifeguards watching
  10. Take plenty of warm clothes for afterwards (lots of layers, socks, gloves and hat)
  11. Have a hot drink for when you get out
  12. Give yourself time to recover - from the cold water and / or the exercise - before you head off for the rest of your day


Remember anyone can enjoy the benefits of cold water - it may be that you get to meet a broader range of people that you not otherwise meet. (After all, some of your friends will think you are slightly bonkers for getting into the cold water).


Cold water tub (and old whiskey barrel) - using whatever works!


Interested to find out more - why not try some of previous blogs

  • Mental health benefits of cold water
  • Open water swimming - SAFELTY
  • US Road trip and open water swimming
  • Exploring Frances Lakes


You can also find out more about Cold Water on our website.


Two people sitting down talking with eachother
January 15, 2025
Time To Talk is an annual campaign encouraging people to talk with each other to support each other's mental health
Work colleagues lying on a yoga mats in a class
January 15, 2025
Work place wellness initiatives can have a positive impact on the organisation, it's productivity and the overall wellbeing of employees
Shannon leading a yoga class on a mat
January 15, 2025
Explore and understand the links between how being physically active can support our mental health
People sitting around sharing a coffee and time together - a kind of Swedish Fika
January 15, 2025
The Swede's do 'Fika' - a time to meet, chat and socialise - a way to support their wellbeing. It's great to understand how different countries have embraced ways to enhance their wellbeing.
Bottle of wine with message on the front - Dry January
January 15, 2025
Giving up alcohol can have many benefits - but also some pitfalls - as I've experienced personally. Better to be aware rather than caught out by surprise.
Acronym - WOOP; Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan
January 15, 2025
Understanding WOOP can provide a helpful framework when starting something new. Bring some WOOP to your plans - Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan
Missy lying on her bed, comfortable and cosy
January 15, 2025
Exploring how different cultures have adapted wellbeing - the Danish Hygge
Two men jumping whilst doing exercise
January 15, 2025
As we age it's even more important to make sure we are doing the right things to maintain our physical health. Read this blog to find out more.
Men doing yoga outside
January 15, 2025
Yoga is for everyone - even men. Just in case you need convincing the post outlines why men should consider doing yoga.
Man sleeping in bed
January 15, 2025
The post shares tips on ways to help get to sleep - as it's an important factor affecting how we feel everyday.
Show More