If you are dipping your toes into the Winter Swimming season for the first time, feel out-of-practice, or need a confidence boost, then The SHAC’s Introduction to Cold Water Swimming and Immersion Course is the perfect place to start!

This course is designed to support your learning; building confidence and assurance that you are aware of the safety and risks involved when swimming in cold water and able to make informed decisions. By the end of the course, you will have a deeper understanding and knowledge base regarding cold water swimming and immersion which you can use to manage the risks associated and get your best out of every connection you make with the water during these colder months. You will also have the opportunity to meet other like-minded souls in a welcoming and safe space, at our lagoon in Surrey.

Course Content

• General guidance on wild swimming procedures
• Benefits of cold water swimming and immersion: physical, physiological and mental
• Making dynamic risk assessments for your swim
• Neoprene vs Bioprene: choosing the right kit that supports you
• Safety kit: tow floats, lights, goggles, socks, gloves, hats
• Acclimatisation and breathing guidance
• Cold water shock awareness
• Identifying and managing signs/symptoms of being cold in the water
• Hypothermia awareness
• Essential rewarm procedures and kit

What will I need on the day?

• • Swimsuit and Wetsuit (we can provide one if you don’t have your own)
  • Hat (swim or woolly) must be brightly coloured for visibility (available to buy)
  • Swim goggles if you wear them
  • Towel
  • Warm loose layers (avoiding fiddly zips & buttons)
  • Windproof/Waterproof outer layer
  • Woolly hat
  • Warm drink (make it a sugary one)
  • Snack

  Our coaches are seasoned cold water swimmers and have a depth of knowledge and experience to share with you. They believe there is a space for everybody to enjoy the benefits of cold water swimming & immersion and are here to make the water accessible. If you are curious about how your body will respond and react to the cold water join us on this course and find out more.

Our coaches are all trained by The Swimming Teachers Association (S.T.A)