Weymouth cold water swimmer urges safety as temperatures dip
Here's some tips if you fancy a winter dip in the sea.
A cold water swimmer from Weymouth is urging others to stay safe as temperatures plummet during the winter months.
Helene Frankham is a member of Weymouth Bluetits sea swimmers, a group who meet regularly for cold and warm water dips.
Weymouth's current sea temperature is around 10 degrees, and ill-prepared swimmers could find them soon in the throes of cold water shock.
The RNLI says it saved the lives of 5 sea swimmers last year and helped 12 more back to shore.
It comes amid a boom in interest in cold water swimming. The Weymouth Bay Bluetits group has grown to the tune of around 700 swimmers since the end of summer.
Helene said:
"Our group has just exploded with the number of cold water swimmers who have joined us."
She says the best thing to do if you are interested is joining a group, not going for a dip on your own.
"The media's covering the benefits of cold water swimming both for your health and mental well-being and a lot of people think 'that's easy, it's free, I can just jump in the sea or I can jump in a river' but we would really not recommend doing that.
"The biggest danger for people starting new is going in thinking you can just go in with a swimming costume on into the sea in January and you'll be perfectly fine. Unfortunately, that's not the case. You definitely need to be with somebody.
"That's why joining these sorts of clubs is much more inclusive, and you get the help you need and all the tips."
She says many people have started sharing the tip of attaching a hot water bottle to a lanyard and wearing it once they climb out to warm up quickly.
How to keep safe
RNLI safety tips for taking a winter swim or dip:
• Be prepared – Check the weather forecast, including tide information and wave height. Take plenty of warm clothes for before and after your dip, along with a hot drink for when you come out of the water. Take a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. Wearing a wetsuit will help increase your buoyancy and reduce the chances of suffering cold water shock
• Never swim alone – always go with a buddy, if possible, to a familiar spot and tell someone when you plan to be back
• Acclimatise slowly – never jump straight in as this can lead to cold water shock, walk in slowly and wait until your breathing is under control before swimming
• Be seen – wear a brightly coloured swim cap and consider using a tow float
• Stay in your depth - know your limits including how long to stay in the water and swim parallel to the shore
• Float to live - If you get into trouble lean back in the water, extending your arms and legs, and resisting the urge to thrash around to gain control of your breathing
• Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard - if you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble call for help immediately
• If in doubt, stay out – there is always another day to go for a swim
Roslyn Cameron, from the RNLI Water Safety Team said:
"We've seen a big increase in the number of people taking up dipping and open water swimming, and it’s amazing so many people are feeling the benefits of a new activity. However for many, this is their first experience of the sea in the colder winter months, so we’re asking everyone to be aware of risks before they enter the water, know how to keep themselves and others safe, and to Respect the Water.
"With the sea temperatures still dropping and reaching their coldest around March, the effects of cold water, combined with weather conditions and any personal health issues should be taken seriously before venturing in. We want everyone to enjoy themselves safely so if it’s your first time in open water, it’s worth speaking to your GP first, particularly for those with cardiac or underlying health conditions.
"There are a number of precautions you can take to help ensure you have an enjoyable and safe time. Avoid swimming alone; consider going with others or joining a group so you can look out for each other. Be aware of the depth of the water as well as the tides, and if you can, stay in your depth and swim parallel to the shore.
"The most important thing to remember is that if you are in any doubt, stay out of the water and if you or anyone else does get into trouble in or on the water please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you’re doubtful about getting in as it looks choppy, there’s always another day. The sea isn’t going anywhere!"
Why are so many taking the plunge?
The boom in interest is being put down to media coverage and social media trends, promoting the health and well-being benefits of cold water swimming.
Helene says for her, it's about the people. She said:
"I think primarily it's a social thing. A lot of people in our group tend to be empty-nesters or people who are bereaved or people who are just new to the coast.
"What they will find is they will meet a group of fellow-minded people who, we don't care what you look like, how old you are, anything like that, and it's a social thing.
"You get the buzz out of the cold water swim, and you help other people and they help you."
You can find out more about the Bluetits group here.