Cold water swimming in Devon: how to start without being silly about it

Cold water shock happens in the first minute and it kills people who could swim perfectly well. Enter slowly, never jump, and never go in alone. That is not caution, it is the whole safety brief.

A minute is a session in winter. The benefit is not from duration and there is nothing to prove. Get out while you still feel fine, because the point at which you stop feeling fine arrives faster than you expect.

You keep getting colder after you get out. Have dry clothes laid out ready, get dressed immediately, and have something hot. Do not have a hot shower straight away.

Sauna then cold dip is a lovely combination and it is also a real cardiovascular load. If anyone in the group has a heart condition or is pregnant, they should talk to a doctor rather than to us.