Cold Club

Mind

Cold water immersion may increase energy levels, enhance clarity of thought & more...

Body

Cold water immersion can reduce inflammation, optimise blood circulation & more...

community

Cold Club provides an opportunity to meet like minded people whilst also acting as a useful accountability tool for getting your cold fix.

Liability & Safety
LIABILITY STATEMENT
By taking part in a Cold Club event you do so at your own risk and the organiser is not liable for any injury, loss, death or damage resulting from you taking part.It is your responsibility to ensure that you are medically fit to take part in Cold Club events.You must be at least 18 years old to join the Cold Club.You must acknowledge that any form of cold water swimming/ immersion can be hazardous and strenuous, and you shouldn’t take part unless firstly you have experience with cold water immersion and are capable of completing the activity without risk of harming yourself.Please take medical advice before joining if necessary and consider whether you need medical insurance to take part.We reserve the right to stop you taking part if deemed unfit to participate before swimming with us. If medical treatment is necessary during the swim/cold immersion this should be sought from UK emergency services.
You are ultimately responsible for any belongings you leave at any venue/place during your swim/cold immersion activity. We will endeavour to keep an eye on these belongings but please do not leave anything valuable and understand that we are not liable for any losses.
Act responsiblyPlease remain aware of your own capabilities and limites both physical and mental.
Listen to rules and warnings and follow the correct instructions if any given.If taking part, you acknowledge you are by no means incapacitated.Some General Guidance taken from Parliament Hill Lido:it is not a competition - it is a form of therapy that must be done in a measured and careful way.No one at cold club is a doctor or medic,2. Medical disclaimer - We are not doctors, medics or a medical institution
Nothing about our suggestions regarding cold water immersion should be taken as medical advice.Furthermore, no recommendations or suggestions (whether specific or generic) should be regarded as medical diagnosis or treatment. For qualified advice regarding medical questions, please consult medical professionals.Some Guidance from Cold Water Institution: Please read before joining the Cold Club. Disclaimer: *This is general guidance taken from a public cold water lido.Know your limits. Swim your own swim and don’t be influenced by changing room banter or bravado. As the temperature drops, decrease the time you spend in the waterIt’s a good idea to ensure you have fuelled yourself properly / eaten breakfast before a cold swim to ensure your body has adequate carbohydrates to help you shiver after your swimRemember that shivering is the body’s most effective way of warming up. A hot shower or sauna can inhibit your body’s natural shivering and might make you colder in the long runMake sure you have LOTS OF WARM LAYERS to put on after your swim – a woolly hat is a must and ideally thick socks, gloves and multiple layers (fleeces, jumpers etc)Lay your clothes out BEFORE you swim so you can easily dress again afterwardsAbsolutely NO alcohol – it interferes with the body’s ability to control blood flow and regulate temperature. Do not swim if you’ve had alcohol the night beforeTake particular care if you have high or low blood pressure or any other heart conditionMake sure the lifeguards know if you have any medical conditions before you swimKnow your limits, never swim alone, leave the water if you have any concerns or are advised to by one of the lifeguardsIf in doubt seek medical advice from your GPThings to watch out for1. Cold Shock ResponseThis is an involuntary gasp reflex that can occur if the face is submerged suddenly in very cold water. This can lead to hyperventilation resulting in a lack of oxygen to the brainHence, you should enter the water carefully and try to avoid jumping in or divingAcclimatisation/habituation is very importantAs the temperature drops, swim regularly and your body will get used to the cold2. Hypothermia (progressive drop in body temperature)It takes a while for the body to chill but everyone is different. You may experience some of these symptoms:Loss of feeling / numbness in extremitiesHands may form a “claw”Loss of strength in limbs, deteriorating motor controlFeeling faint and light-headedDisorientation, loss of focus, mental impairmentFeeling warm all over (yes, this is NOT a good sign)If you experience any of these early warning signs get out of the water immediately3. After DropPost swim, after you exit the water, your body temperature will keep dropping before it starts going up again. This is called after drop. Time is of the essence to get dry and dressedQuickly put on layers as this helps to insulate the body, generate heat and warm the coreAvoid Hot showers as they supress the shiver response and can increase after dropDo not go in the sauna if you are showing any signs of hypothermia. The sauna is a treat after dipping in the cold water. It should not be used as a way of warming up if your core temperature has dropped.Take sips of warm, sugary drinks. Not too hot as you may burn yourself, especially if you are shivering.