8 TIPS FOR PLANNING A GREAT WILD SWIM

1 Learn If you’re not a confident swimmer, practice in a pool or take some lessons before plunging yourself into open water. Being a stronger swimmer will help keep you out of trouble and give you more freedom in the water.

2 Boot up Neoprene socks or gloves can make a huge difference to how comfortable you feel in the water and how long you can stay in. Boots with rubber grip make it easier to walk over rocks too.

3 Relax It’s natural to brace yourself for the cold water but relaxing can make it more pleasurable. Loosen your shoulders, belly and jaw, exhale and wade in.

4 Look before you leap Found a perfect spot to jump in? Always check the depth before going for it.

5 Swim for a minute, get out, then get back in With your body more used to the water, it’ll be much easier and more comfortable the second time around.

6 Prep your clothes The last thing you want to do is faff around trying to pull your pants out of the trouser leg when you’re freezing cold and dripping wet. Lay your clothes out before you get in.

7 Get warm On a balmy summer’s day, you can do this by lying on the grass, but on others you might need the help of a puffy insulated jacket and flask of hot chocolate.

8 Start now! If you want to swim later in the year, start now and your body will acclimatise as the temperatures cool.