Before you take part in this challenge, please ensure you read our general safety tips for cold water swimming.
General Safety Guidelines
- If you have any underlying health conditions (such as heart disease, asthma, or respiratory issues), please consult your doctor before taking a cold water dip.
- If you’re pregnant, please consult your doctor before taking a cold water dip.
- We recommend that participants be at least 18 years old unless supervised by an adult.
- This challenge is taken entirely at your own risk. Please evaluate your abilities and safety before taking part. Mosaic is not responsible for any injury, damage, or loss that may result from participation.
- Do not participate if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- We strongly encourage you to inform family or friends about your involvement in this challenge.
- We do not advise participating in open water swimming without supervision.
- Always stay within your comfort zone. If starting with 30 seconds of immersion feels too much, begin with a shorter duration and gradually increase as you build tolerance.
- For more information on safety, we recommend reading:
- RNLI’s Cold Water Shock guide
- Outdoor Swimmer’s Temperature guide.
Outdoor Swimming
- Mosaic does not recommend outdoor swimming unless supervised by trained professionals.
- Never swim alone in open water. Always inform someone about where and when you plan to swim and take your mobile phone with you.
- Prioritize safety by checking local conditions, tides, and RNLI updates. It is your responsibility to choose a safe location based on your abilities. Select areas you are familiar with and that allow for easy water exit.
- If swimming in open water against advice, ensure you're accompanied by a qualified individual.
- Be aware vehicles and boats may use the water, so wear bright clothing to enhance visibility.
- Swim only during daylight hours and avoid swimming in the dark.
- Choose comfortable, appropriate swimwear that won’t hinder your ability to swim. Consider wearing a swim cap, wetsuit, gloves, or booties to retain body heat, but avoid anything that becomes too heavy when wet.
- Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust to the cold. Do not dive in. Only go as deep as you can stand comfortably.
- Begin swimming slowly to allow your body time to adjust to the cold and regulate your breathing.
- If you experience extreme cold, dizziness, or disorientation, seek help immediately.
- After swimming, warm up gradually. Dry yourself off and put on warm clothes, perhaps enjoying a hot drink. Avoid staying outside in the cold, and wait until you feel well before driving.
- For more tips, check out the Outdoor Swimming Society's guidance.
Ice Bath
- If you're taking on the ice bath challenge, especially if doing so alone at home, let someone know and ensure help is available if needed.
- You can prepare your ice bath using a bathtub or paddling pool at home.
- There’s no set duration for your ice bath. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase as you get more accustomed to it. Never push past your comfort level.
- If you begin to feel extremely cold, dizzy, or disoriented, seek assistance right away.
- After the ice bath, warm up gradually. Dry off and put on warm, dry clothes, and consider having a warm drink.
We are proud of your efforts - thank you for taking part and trying this challenge!
Congratulations to those who have taken part - please make your donation here via Just Giving.
You never know - this could be the start of a new passion - wild - winter swimming!
Thank you from the team at Mosaic.
