Regarding your article on cold water swimming (Cold water immersion therapy: do the benefits outweigh the risks?, 30 September), I have been swimming in the men’s pond on Hampstead Heath for a decade, all year round. And, despite the opinions of physicians and others, I firmly believe that the daily immersion in cold water offers undeniable benefits for both mental and physical health.
The truth is, I experienced an improvement in my overall well-being, with better circulation, and the sensation itself was often extraordinary, almost transcendent. Furthermore, swimming amidst a thin sheet of ice on the water created a delightful sizzling sound as the ice waved and flexed. I would spend up to 20 minutes in the water, which not only thrilled me physically but also presented a psychological challenge, as it tested my mental strength.
Of course, leaping into icy water without caution is foolish – most accidents at our pond occurred on sunny spring days, when people mistakenly assumed that a quick dip would be refreshing, unaware that the water remained cold from winter. It was still chilly.
The key is acclimatization – gradually adapting to the dropping temperatures as autumn transitions into winter. The true change becomes apparent when the cold shower after the swim feels warm in comparison.
I encourage embracing the invigorating experience of cold water, but with careful consideration and preparation for the change in water temperature.
Graeme Fife
Sevenoaks, Kent
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