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Generally assume you can swim only one tenth of the distance in cold water as you can in a warm pool. Cold water reduces the ability to swim well by changing the body position in the water (more horizontal as the body tries to keep the head up) and contracting muscles (stroke positions of hands and arms becomes less efficient). Press-ups, star-jumps and running up a nearby hill are the quickest! Wear a wetsuit if you want to stay in for more than a quick dip. Shivering and teeth-chattering are the first stages of mild hypothermia, so get out of the water and warm up with a combination of warm, dry clothes and activity.
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Not being able to swim as well as you think is also a killer, especially in cold water…Ĭold water and Hypothermia – outdoor swimming in cold water saps body heat, reduces swimming ability / range and impairs judgement. Buy a good quality buoyancy aid for non-swimmers (about £40) and, best of all, learn to swim.
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Be careful with inflatables, which can create a false sense of security and float off into deep sections or burst. Remember that even shallow sections of fast-flowing water can knock you off your feet. If you, your children or your friends cannot swim make sure you scout out the extent of the shallows, set clear boundaries and keep constant supervision. Not being able to swim – sounds obvious but shallow water can deepen suddenly.