10 REASONS TO GET... IN THE SEA

1 A NATURAL PAINKILLER Cold-water swimming activates temperature receptors under the skin, triggering a burst of hormones such as endorphins, adrenaline and cortisol and diverting attention from aches and pains, say Portsmouth University researchers.

2 IT IMPROVES MOOD... Finnish people who regularly swam outdoors during winter months reported having higher energy levels and feeling more vigorous compared to those who did only land-based exercise.

3 ...BURNS CALORIES Depending on temperature, swimming in colder waters will use up more calories. This is because being cold helps the body convert so-called ‘bad’, white fat into ‘good’ brown energy-burning fat – a process that keeps us warm.

4 ...AND BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM Just ten minutes of mild-intensity swimming in 6C water saw the number of infectionfighting white blood cells in swimmers improve by an average of 40 per cent, according to a Milan study. It’s thought the cold water slightly stresses the immune system, effectively giving it a workout.

5 SOOTHES SKIN Sea water has high amounts of minerals, including sodium, chloride, sulphate, magnesium and calcium, and can improve conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

6 EASES HAY FEVER Many people with hay fever or sinus problems use salt-water solutions to relieve symptoms. Sea swimming could reduce inflammation in the lining of sinuses in the same way, say Newcastle University researchers.

7 HELPS YOU SLEEP Studies have shown that sea air is good for a sound sleep because it is charged with healthy negative ions that accelerate the ability to absorb oxygen. Negative ions also balance levels of serotonin, a body chemical linked with mood and stress.

8 A LUNG WORKOUT Swimming improves lung capacity. A Serbian study comparing elite swimmers and footballers showed that swimmers had a greater lung capacity and better cardio-respiratory fitness.

9 IT GETS BLOOD PUMPING Taking a dip has been found to improve circulation. A US study found that endothelial function – the blood vessels’ ability to contract and expand, and regulate blood clotting and the immune function – improved significantly after swimming.

10 BUILDS STAMINA Practising a breathing technique in water can increase the distance you can run on land. Swimmers who took just two breaths per length of the pool improved their running endurance by six per cent after just 12 sessions.