Get Prepared for Cold Water Dip - St Peter's Hospice

Get Prepared

Dipping into cold water is a brrrilliant and exhilarating experience - as long as you do it safely.

Before the swim

Practise! Turn your shower colder and colder to get used to the feeling. You only need to do it for a minute or two to start getting familiar with how it feels to be in cold water.

You can also practice in safe outdoor swimming spots such as Clevedon Marine Lake or the West Country Water Park.

You can also invest in one of our Cold Water Dip branded hats. These will be available to purchase at the event.

All participants will need to complete a waiver before they can get in the pool, this will have been sent to you via email. This must be completed for you to enter the water on the day, we'll have spare copies if required.

On the day

Have a good breakfast/lunch to be properly fuelled! Don't drink alcohol on the morning of the dip you will not be allowed in the water! Alcohol lowers your body temperature and impairs your judgement.
Bring warm, dry clothes to wear while waiting before and to get changed into after the dip, with lots of layers and even a blanket.
Acclimatise slowly - Slowly remove your layers while still on dry land, to gradually get your body used to being cold.
Understand your limit and don't overstay in the water - Lifeguards will be on hand and will advise if they feel you've been in for too long. There is a 15 minute maximum which may be shortened depending on the conditions on the day - we guarantee you won't want to stay that long anyway!
Warm up slowly after you get out - pat yourself dry and get all cold, wet clothes off before putting on your dry layers. There are also hot tubs, a sauna and warm showers to take advantage of.

Swimmers taking part in Cold Water Dip