SWIMMING IN COLD WATER, A DISCIPLINE THAT IS DEVELOPING A LITTLE MORE EACH YEAR IN FRANCE

 In the current health context, access to covered pools is still prohibited. On the other hand, access to lakes and seas is authorized. So why not try the experience of swimming in cold water?

Winter swimming, in cold or icy water, also called Winter or Ice Swimming, is a discipline in full development in France and in many countries, such as in Finland, which is at its origin, or in England, which today has nearly 3 million followers. The discipline is practiced mainly in lakes or at sea in waters below 10°C and, despite the low water temperature, only swimsuits are authorized to participate in competition with lifeguard course.

In France, Christmas or New Year's baths are organized every year, but the first official sporting events saw the light of day in 2019 with the first French championship organized in Vichy, and in 2020 with the 1st competition at sea in Plouha. in the Côtes d'Armor.

For those who are tempted to confront the best swimmers in cold water, since the year 2000 there have been international competitions with 2 federations, the ISAA and the IWSA , which organize their own world championships. Each has set up its rules and records from water temperatures below 5°C for the first and 10°C for the second. And it is not excluded that in the future the discipline enters the program of the Winter Olympics (find the interview of Marion JOFFLE , double World champion of Ice Swimming).

HEALTH-FRIENDLY COLD WATER SWIMMING

Did you know ? Swimming in cold water has many positive effects on the human body. Contrary to what one might think, the cold and more particularly cold water is very beneficial for our body. It will activate the brown fat in our body (2 types of fat: white fat and brown fat) and raise our body temperature. This increase in body temperature will help us burn calories more quickly and therefore eliminate the small excess fat that we may have stored during the holidays. Cold water is also beneficial for our blood circulation with lifeguard events.

The increased blood flow allows the development and production of our lymphocytes (white blood cells). These have the function of strengthening our immune defenses, and admit that in winter it is not negligible. Finally, cold water causes the release of endorphins which relieves our little pains (analgesic effect).

You will agree, swimming in cold water has only positive effects on our body and our mental health. Now all you have to do is give it a try .

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE

If you are convinced and want to try the adventure of swimming in cold water, several precautions should be taken before
you start.

– First advice, it is recommended to consult your doctor. Bathing in water at less than 10°C is not harmless for the body, and can lead to cardiovascular risks.

– 2 nd advice, start the experience preferably at the end of the summer season when the water temperature drops slowly each day. This will allow you to get used to it and spend a little more time in the water when the temperature drops below 10 degrees.

– 3 rd. tip, it is often said that swimming time should not exceed the number of degrees of water temperature (7°C = 7 minutes).

– Finally, last advice, it is important to listen to your body, to swim in a group and always with a safety buoy and a brightly colored swimming cap. These last precautions will allow you to be easily visible to other swimmers in the group or to be spotted from the banks.

Also Read About Swimming: 10 tips for swimming faster