Calls for cold water swimming to be made safer for women

Cold water swimming is growing in popularity amongst women, but more support is needed to make many wild swimming sites in the UK safer and more accessible, a new study finds.

The research, published in Women’s Health, explored the habits of women who enjoy cold water swimming. 

It was carried out in collaboration with researchers from UCL, the University of Portsmouth, University of Sussex, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, University of Plymouth and Bournemouth University.

The team surveyed 1,114 women in the UK aged 16 to 80 years old in 2022 and found that most women who participated in wild swimming usually did so in the sea (64.4 per cent) and the majority (89 per cent) swam all year around. 

The women surveyed stated that they swam for longer in the summer, with the most common length of time being 30-60 minutes (48.2 per cent). However, in the winter a majority of swims lasted between 5-15 minutes (53.8 per cent).

Earlier this year, the same survey revealed that menopausal women who regularly swim in cold water report significant improvements to their physical and mental symptoms. It was also found to improve menstrual symptoms.

However, while there are many benefits to the sport, it also comes with risks, including the risk of cardiac arrest, which is exacerbated by ‘cold shock’ and hypothermia.

Lead author Professor Joyce Harper (UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health) said: “One of the health risks linked to cold water swimming is the increased likelihood of gastroenteritis and other infections due to pollution in UK rivers and seas. This could be avoidable with better monitoring of sites.”

Designated bathing waters in the UK are typically monitored during the summer months (May-September). However, many do not meet the prescribed standards and researchers believe this may be worse for undesignated sites. 

As a result, the researchers are calling for the UK government, water companies, the Environment Agency, and others across the world, to improve the safety and accessibility of open water for people who like to swim outdoors.

Professor Harper said: “Our previous research has found that women strongly perceive cold water swimming to benefit their health. Exercising in nature, with a community, is a combination that should be encouraged. However, it is currently not well supported.

“For example, in the UK, the government bathing-water quality website only runs from May to September, ignoring the winter months where heavy rainfall and consequent sewage overflow most commonly occur.

“Globally we should be ensuring that cold water swimming is accessible and safe. It is time to make this increasingly popular and beneficial sport more secure and supported for all.”
CWI can affect anyone, regardless of whether they are strong swimmers or not, and increases the difficulty in getting out of the water. It peaks in water temperatures between 10-15⁰C, and while the weather has improved in recent weeks, the average temperature of UK and Irish waters is 12⁰C.

Professor Mike Tipton MBE, co-founder of the University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environments Lab (EEL), said: "With summer in full swing it's important not to assume that our seas, lakes, and rivers are already warm enough for safe swimming. While taking a dip in cold water can be refreshing and might be beneficial, safety must come first. Make sure you are fit and healthy enough to endure the stress of cold water, swim with others, enter the water slowly, acclimatise carefully, stay in your depth and limit your time in the water to less than 10 minutes."

Co-author, Dr Heather Massey from the University’s School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences, said: "Swimming outdoors offers people a unique immersion in nature, but it's essential to take necessary precautions. Understanding the water conditions, recognising temperature risks, and knowing your personal limits are crucial to prevent accidents and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience."

The team are continuing their research into the topic and are involved in an upcoming study led by Professor Jill Shawe from the University of Plymouth into cold water swimming and pregnancy.