Our motto for this challenge is Be Safe, Have Fun! Cold Water Challenges can be exhilarating and a lot of fun when done safely but please ensure you take the time to read our important safety guidance below before planning your challenge.
Safety information
Please take the time to check advice from the following websites:
Health Conditions
If you have any underlying health conditions or any other medical conditions that might be affected by exposure to cold water, or if you are pregnant, then please seek medical advice before signing up and taking on the challenge.
Under 18
This challenge is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.
Comfort Zone
Never go beyond your comfort zone or a level you can tolerate safely.
Temperature
Please take the time to read advice on temperature and how to prevent cold water shock, hypothermia, after drop and cold incapacitation You can read more about it here: outdoorswimmer.com
Don't do it alone
Don’t do it alone! Going with someone else is much more fun. Whether they are staying dry on land or coming in with you, it’s much safer than doing it alone. Always let others know where and when you will be. Make sure to take a mobile phone and ensure you know how to seek help if you require it.
Choose your location
If you are choosing to do this challenge in the great outdoors we would recommend you choose somewhere you know well and going with somebody else that has taken a dip in this location before for safety also a location with a lifeguard if possible. If there isn’t a lifeguard make sure you consider how you will get in and out of the water, and also if there any hazards you need to be aware of like tide times, weather forecast, sea conditions, rip currents and sewage pollution.
You can find your nearest lifeguarded beaches here: Lifeguarded Beaches – Find Your Nearest Lifeguarded Beach (rnli.org) or why not check out the Bluetits Chill Swimming community to find other suitable locations.
We recommend that if you are new to cold water exposure that you take on this challenge at home, in a cold shower or ice bath. Make sure you are able to safely get in and out of the bath or shower and someone knows that you are taking on the challenge.
Check Conditions
Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off. Be prepared to change your plans or cancel if the forecast is not safe.
If you are swimming in the sea, make sure to look out for rip currents. They can be tricky to spot but look out for a channel of water that is churning and choppy on the sea’s surface. If you spot this do not go in the water and pick a different location for your dip.
Check pollution levels of water before you plan your dips, if pollution levels are high do not go in the water and pick a different location for your dip.
Wear the right kit
Make sure you take the right kit with you to keep warm and safe
- Wetsuit, hat, neoprene gloves and boots, to keep warm
- Bright colours so you can be seen
- Take a tow float
- Plenty of warm clothes and hot drinks for after your dip
How to enter water safely
When entering cold water, allow yourself time to acclimatise by entering slowly. Do not jump in. Never go beyond your comfort zone or out of your depth.
Please take the time to read about the dangers of after shock here: Cold Water Shock – Water Safety Tips – Know The Risks (rnli.org)
Warming up afterwards
To minimise the risk of after drop, dress immediately starting with the top half of your body, put on a hat and gloves and have a warm (non-alcoholic) drink and something to eat.
Safe Communication
Never take on this challenge alone. Make sure someone else knows where and when you are taking on your dip.
If taking on in the great outdoors, get a waterproof cover for your phone so you can take it in with you and ideally have someone on land watching (and cheering you on). Make sure you have a charged phone with you and the location you are going has signal. Take a whistle to attract attention if you feel panicked or get into difficulty.
Know your own limits
- Assess the conditions – do get in if the conditions are not right
- Don’t go alone
- Wear the right kit
- Enter the water slowly to acclimatise to the temperature. Never jump or dive in!
- Don’t go beyond your limit or comfort zone
- Stay within your depths
- Make sure you don’t go too far from land if doing this in the great outdoors
- The colder the water and the air temperature the less time you should spend in the water
- Set a timer and get out when it goes off, don’t overexert yourself
- Plan how you will get in and out and stick to the plan
Alcohol & drugs
Do not take on this challenge whilst under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
What to do if you get into difficulty
If you are feeling very cold, disorientated, dizzy or have difficulty breathing please seek help immediately.
If you experience cold water shock or fall into the water fight your instinct to swim until the cold-water shock passes; relax and float on your back until you can control your breathing and call for help!
If tired or in difficulty remember to roll on to your back to rest, hold on to something that floats, signal for help.
If you get into difficulty whilst in a river, float with your feet facing down stream and your bottom up – use your feet to kick off any hazards. Keeping your bottom up protects from contact with debris.
You can find more information here: Know the risks (rnli.org) and here Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI
Be safe but have fun!
Make sure you are prepared for the day and then go out and enjoy it! Remember, plan your dip, get the right gear, don’t do your dip alone and know your limits.
Any questions?
Send us an email at virtualchallenges@younglivesvscancer.org.uk. We have a team dedicated to resolving your queries!
Alternatively post your questions in the Facebook Group.
Event Terms and Conditions
By signing up for this challenge you will be confirming that you are physically fit and in good health to safely take part in this challenge. That you have no known condition that may affect your ability to take on this challenge or that could cause a risk of danger to yourself or others. You must understand that you are 100% responsible for choosing a safe location for your challenge and that you acknowledge that you are taking part in this event at your own risk and that Young Lives vs Cancer, cannot be held liable for any injury, accident, loss, damage or public liability caused or sustained before, during or after the event, as a result of your participation. You need to understand that you are responsible for your own safety and your own actions (including the safety of your possessions) whilst undertaking this challenge.
