Wild Swimming in April | 11.8°C Cold Water River Submersion & The Benefits of Cold Water

Aprils Wild Swim :D Cold water has lots of reported health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, heightening your mood, increasing energy levels, metabolism, circulation and mental fortitude & endurance. It can also reduce stress levels; by exposing your body to cold in a controlled way, you may find that your stress response to everyday life stressors is reduced. I always have a lovely sense of wellbeing for a good couple of days after a cold swim. Just remember to keep it short, and listen to your body.
Cold water can be dangerous if it isn't respected. Here's some cold-water safety;
- Don't go alone
- Never jump in - ease yourself in slowly, to avoid cold water shock. If you shock your body, you will involuntarily gasp due to the cold, which can cause you to inhale water (drown)
- It will take your breath away - control your breathing and don't allow yourself to hyperventilate
- Stay within your depth and always avoid fast moving water and strong currents
- Wear water shoes to protect your feet
- Don't stay in long - always come out before you start shivering. Hyperthermia only usually becomes a risk after 30 minutes, but listen to your body
- Before getting in, make sure you can easily get out
- Stay close to the edge while you check that your body can handle the drop in temperature and that you can maintain normal use of your limbs
- If it doesn't feel right, get out
- Bear in mind that your body temperature will continue to drop for a while after you get out of the water - this is called 'after drop' and is the result of the cooled blood in your extremities returning to your core
- Go in warm, and have a towel, lots of warm clothes and a warm drink ready for when you get out
- Don't drive until your temperature has returned to normal
- Never go straight from cold water into a hot shower - let your body temperature return to normal first
- Don't do a cold-water immersion if you have heart or other health conditions that may make it especially dangerous
- It is always best to start wild swimming in the summer months, and continue regularly into the colder months to allow your body to gradually acclimatize to colder and colder water
And then of course all the normal wild swimming safety applies too - always do your own research and get the relevant advice first - I'm not an expert :)
For an idea of how different water temperatures feel, check out www.outdoorswimmingsociety.co.... For comparison, an indoor heated pool will vary between 26-31°C. Anything below 12°C will feel freezing cold.
Thank you so much for watching 😊 Claire 🌿🐻
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#WildSwimming #ColdWaterSubmersion #RiverSwimming #Nature #OutdoorSwimming

[@hardstyleminded]

One of the reasons I enjoy watching your videos so much is because you are so connected to nature and you go out into nature alone with no distractions. It is quite admirable.

[@mianone7486]

I have just recently found your channel and you are like fresh air in my lungs. Thank you for spreading joy and appreciation for all the beauty in life. Thank you!

[@WildBeare]

Hi Mia, aw that's so nice of you to say!! Thank you for watching and welcome to my lil channel 🥰

[@KevsVanlife]

I live full time vanlife and being out with nature is the absolute best life there is :-)

[@Improveng1]

Nice one Claire. Interesting to hear how it affects your moods and energy levels, thanks for sharing

[@johnfoster4414]

I enjoy watching you and your son in your exploits. Your modesty is refreshing, thank you.

[@micksmusicchannel]

Claire how were you not shivering.... fair play to you for doing that, and some great advice given as well. Well done, you're a star 🌟😊

[@domo3552]

Thanks again Claire! I shared it with friends in California and Alistair Humphreys who I'm sure you know. Wild swimming is wonderful. I remember the contrast of experiences of wild swimming in Beacon Tarn above Coniston in the Lake District where its so shallow you can actually walk across it shore to shore, as opposed to swimming in Wastwater in Wasdale where I knew when I swam into the middle that I was in the deepest lake in England. It was surprisingly warm in the middle of the lake, stored energy I guess. Thanks again for your content and inspiration 🙏

[@bilbocrackers3246]

Beautiful Journey. Many thanks Claire.

[@paulhanger7242]

Clare you are quite simply amazing and inspirational!

[@NeathVideos]

Loved this video- I think you are “Mother Nature” herself,you seem so relaxed and happy. ,and you always put a smile in my heart

[@basejump213]

How that looked refreshing. Well done. Another fantastic video 😊👍

[@conarc-d1037]

That looked super refreshing Claire!! Holy Crap your subs have gone up like crazy in the last month As they should!! Please keep them coming!

[@miketaylor6700]

My wife and I are going camping this weekend right on the shore of a river... I may just try some ‘cold water swimming’!!! Thanks for the video and suggestion!

[@BourneOutside]

Nice vid, Claire. Good safety advice too for all noob cold water dippers/swimmers. I am half tempted (maybe a quarter) to swim down in the salt lakes where we used to go as kids. That was blimmin cold any time of year down there. We'll see! Safe trip when you do start to make your way.

[@itsreallyrona]

Just love your filming. You catch some really pretty angles..and then combined with your music choice, it's so beautiful to watch! Thank you!

[@Gordie79hamilton]

What a great wee day out! Loved the B-roll at the end really beautiful footage. 👍🔥

[@Frags4u]

Amazing as always Claire.

[@sean-wh3it]

The only cold water i go near is when I'm filling the kettle

[@WildBeare]

😄

[@alexblue6991]

Like the photo of the staffy

[@alastairkerr2216]

Brilliant. What an amazing progression of your channel. So chuffed for you.😁✌

[@CatWalking]

Thanks! Inspirational as usual! 👏🌞💚

[@jonm4989]

In the last couple of years I’ve tried a bit of wild swimming (in Rydal Water and Buttermere in the Lakes). I was amazed how much I enjoyed it, so I completely concur with your thoughts. Keep up the good work.

[@seanbeast939]

What a brilliantly shot film. The colours pop out of the screen. Great job 👏

[@EPGunman]

Wow, breath taking!!!! In more ways than one!!!

[@carltondoorman9145]

My ancestors were from England, Scotland, and Ireland, but I grew up in the south. Just watching you in that cold water made me shiver! Nice video though.

[@chrisandsamlivingthedream]

Awesome… water looked great .. cheers Chris & Sam

[@southbucksbushcraft6572]

wow 😮 how brave, altho it has lots of benefits I don't think I could manage it.. Fair play to you Claire..

[@TheCountryTraveller]

Very brave! I'm sure it's good for you and once you get over the shock, very stimulating. I think I'm more of a watcher than a participant:)

[@mapleleafer74]

Nice film making, much better than my amateur job! Love your channel, plenty variety, swims and camps go well! I made a vid of my swim in the River Dart a couple of weeks ago, I swim there every saturday for about 20-30 mins!

[@vickyf164]

Hats off to you! I love the idea but not sure I could get in after testing it with a toe and I would be shivering before I even get in! Love your channel, you are a breath of fresh air and an inspiration 😊

[@WildBeare]

Haha, funnily enough I'm really bad with cold, it's amazing what your body can tolerate though if you go in with the right state of mind (and prepared with all kinds of warm things for afterward). It's kind of a meditation in a way I guess! Aw thank you so much, glad you're enjoying the channel 🥰 have a lovely weekend! Claire

[@mickonthemove1272]

Great video, well shot and good choice of music. Getting better and better, looking forward to watching the Rhinog Fawr videos. Keep em coming, all the best.

[@YogiMoto108]

Lovely video, truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

[@Mo_Polis]

Lovely swim! Also liked the shot from above very much!

[@PaulMcCabe]

I randomly find you on KZbin & your like a breath of fresh air.........now I want to try cold water swimming 😀

[@nigelyarwood1581]

Thanks for the tips might try a wild swim if I can looking forward to that 3 day trip stay safe

[@richardjudge897]

Two great (but cold) videos in one week. You are challenging yourself, but clearly enjoying it. Enjoy your next trip, looking forward to the video.

[@WildBeare]

Thanks Richard :D I'm all packed for the next trip, certainly gonna be the most challenging I've done yet, both excited and nervous! Have a great weekend & thanks for watching :) Claire

[@liemvo5039]

Beautiful as always Claire 😍 ❤️

[@westsussexbushcraft812]

Great video Claire, bit cold for me tho lol ,and I swim like a Canon ball too ! Have a great weekend.

[@davidlewis1680]

You really are inspiring, love your channel. I’m hooked Thanks for all your input. Love from North Yorkshire

[@DS-rk7rl]

I love that I’m called a wild one! Go on girl ✌️

[@terrystales5221]

You are a inspiration to women. I love the outdoor life and being close to Mother Nature

[@edwardsnowdenofficial]

Just come back from Sussex with my dog, was amazing feeling going in the Sea, soo relaxing and enlightening, will have to try some Wild Swimming!

[@johnpatterson5744]

It’s great to see you investing in,and doing what you really enjoy doing 👍.✊🙏❤️

[@chrisgonecamping]

Thank you for your videos!

[@invictus3598]

Sure makes me want to break out the flyrod! A beautiful sight! Thank you!

[@YONDERMOUNTAINADVENTURES]

Fantastic!! The benefits of wild swimming in cold waters are immense!! Done a lot up in the Highland lochs.... very exhilarating..... lovely video... look forward to your next one 😍

[@WildBeare]

Ohh I bet that's chilly up your way! But absolutely stunning 😍 aw thank you and thanks for watching :D Claire

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Quite refreshing! Great stuff!

[@christiansmith1883]

Such a beautiful person,love seeing your vids.

[@hellehunde]

Thank you Beare

[@aaronaragon7838]

An absolutely magical video...the Earth Goddess in all her glory, majesty.

[@Paul-hs9dw]

what a lovely person you are great vid

[@GraysOutdoors]

I am originally from Cape Town. We had a great plan with the cold Atlantic Get in, go numb, bodysurf for hours. About 14degrees. 12 is cold well done. 👍👍

[@jeffcoulson6243]

Great video as always but to cold for me looking forward to the next one👍

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

Great Sharing! Lot of love and respect from a solo mountain hiker from Chitral Pakistan.

[@nomadlad6413]

Nice one Claire. It can be bloody cold but boy do you feel alive after.

[@evilawkeye2215]

Well filmed and documented Claire 🙌

[@daniello9155]

Its interesting what you say about the benefits of cold water swimming. I could not not go near a beach in southern Australia without jumping in for a dip, no matter what the weather or season. Its exhilarating and refreshing, I haven't done anything in comparison that makes you feel more alive. Come to Australia Claire, we have so many great National Parks and walks. Brits are always welcome here. Great channel.

[@mikeoglen6848]

Only one problem with that - Great White Sharks...

[@Tony_M_]

Hi I have just come across your channel and you’ve got some great videos. I like to go wild swimming too and I bought a book called ‘Wild Swimming’ lol. This book tells you about some amazing locations around the UK, photos and a brief description. The Lake District is my favourite area. There are other books made by the same person on other activities in the UK too which gives you some other great things to do. Keep up with the videos, it’s reminding me of what I am going to be doing once this all calms down 😁

[@AshOutdoorsUK]

Very well filmed clairebeare, waters starting to warm up a bit now then... get your butt over to granchester 😉 Hope you have a great trip, look forward to watching that!! Stay safe Ash x

[@WildBeare]

Hi Ash! Aw thanks :) Christ knows how you swim in 4 °C 😄 thanks, I'm so nervous haha (and also excited) have a lovely weekend! Claire x

[@philfisher]

This was nicely done : ) subscribed!

[@davidcox2264]

Looks like great fun. But BURRRRR! GREAT VIDEO

[@garrywall1]

Carageous ,your a inspiration

[@amerphoto1]

I had to go sit closer to the pellet stove to get warm again after watching you! You are a brave woman!

[@shannonreed9808]

I love your videos 😊. Haven't done cold water swimming, but have been having cold shower, after hot, for about 8 months now... That feels Grrrrreat afterwards!, although, i did spend the first few weeks, shouting expletives for a good few seconds each time , can just about avoid that now 😂. Keep up the great content, and being that you are only a hr or two max away, you are giving me areas within reach, that i may experience myself 👌.

[@maakeklein4073]

Just done a dip in my local river. Freezing cold at 8am.were in autumn going into winter here in nz and our river flows from mountains. Feels great after minute or literally like 1000 needles pricking skin! CYANT BEAT IT!

[@kieranmeikleham1687]

Wow!!! Amazing. Love the channel even just watching your videos its soo relaxing. Very peaceful. You were like a little mermaid

[@michaelryan5658]

Love your videos nice relaxing to watch

[@romeric69]

Great great vid, thank you🤝

[@henryd12341]

oooh that's fresh! I subscribed when you said that, cheers !

[@paulmcneill1846]

Yep. Much better than the timotei advert!! Much respect 😊

[@steelydan473]

What a lovely video Claire. Super shots, especially the drone shot.; guessing that took a bit of time and patience? Perfect soundtrack for the swim.....excellent again.....and on to the next

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

The drone shots were beautiful. 👍🙂

[@stevenfell3883]

Awesome girl!!! 💪💪💪

[@lesmontgomery7]

Nice one claire. Love from Texas ❤❤

[@theforestandme_outdoor]

You are really crazy. big respect for you! that is sure to be a unique experience 😯

[@barryfoxall2082]

this lady is seriously impressive, great video shoot,

[@royjennison3916]

i am going to try this , thank you for posting your video

[@samwilson744]

Some good information there Claire, thanks for sharing atb Sam

[@manuellopes7144]

love an light

[@marcusaurelius49]

Just recently discovered your amazing channel. You have a happy new subscriber! Ta

[@derrickfelix6206]

Liked the ground coverage Perennial Nettle, defiantly added to the experience . I would believe, Cheers.

[@melchorkaamino5115]

nice blending of nature scenery & music like a Paramahamsa nature lover 😁

[@bitsnpieceslavery5619]

O dear you are the beauty of nature. Thank you.

[@StevenKeery]

Hi! Claire, In your last video I mentioned the use of the humble bin bag. Purely by co-incidence, another You Tuber called TA Outdoors has today built a tunnel shelter, using thin saplings, roofed over with bin bags and using more bin bags filled with leaves as a mattress. They reminded me of the cloches that you see in farmer's fields, for them to grow vegetables . You might like to give his channel a visit, to see what it looks like. It might be something for George and you to try building. I have even viewed a channel, where the person built both a canoe and a teepee style shelter with just saplings and a roll of siran wrap. Amazing what a little ingenuity can achieve. It might be fun for you both to try them out. Take care, all the best. Steven.

[@campingchrisuk1675]

Great video as always

[@davefarrell4911]

Great video and live what ur doing here awesome

[@Fishy1764]

Lol! Your face said it all as you dropped in to the water.🤣😂

[@kevcollins2079]

Loving your videos go girl

[@seantheboy64]

Great stuff, don't think I'll be trying that in April I'll wait till July 😂

[@Trekkeurbreton]

just a perfect vid ;)

[@walkaboutphilpots3795]

Great! i had a spot under a 6 foot waterfall but a tree feel across but it was really good cold but good.

[@steveooooo4423]

Thankyou bless you hug you 🐶🌈

[@jimcook8513]

Great video, you are far braver than me, I've just started cold water swimming and I couldnt do it without a full wetsuit, boots gloves and hat :)

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

Wow , made that look a truly wonderful experience ! 👍😀 ps I capsized in a reservoir dinghy last week , it was 8 Celsius apparently, shocking ! 🤣 going again next week ,been think about that water everyday since 🤣

[@sh010272]

You have the best voice over voice.

[@lutzschmidt7730]

Good effort! 👍🏻

[@themanwithnoname3636]

You are so awesome. Something about watching your videos really relaxes me.

[@ACIDvICTIM]

Perfect when you are constipated

[@dingo5827]

Your a brave girl 🥶👍

[@nidge2822]

I to am a new subscriber to your channel and wow your so brave cold water swimming lol well done 😀 loving your vlogs.

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

Sudden cold water can also cause a big headache. At least for me it does when I'm in the shower and accidentally bump the faucet. I haven't been in cold water like that since I was a kid. Spring would come and we would be eager, sometimes to eager to hop in the pool and try to get some swimming in on a nice day. Whenever we tried, it wouldn't be long and we be flying out of that pool. Good on you for at least being prepared.

[@sundancjim]

Inspirational woman