The Terrifying Truth About Cold Water Immersion

🥶Cold water immersion creates a stress response in the body, releasing adrenaline and endorphins.

⚠️Rapid immersion in cold water can lead to panic attacks, asthma, and an increase in blood pressure.

❄️Cold water swimming should be approached with caution, as it carries the same risks as other extreme sports.

🧊Proper acclimatization is necessary before attempting an ice mile, which involves swimming in water temperatures of 5°C or less.

🥶After-drop is a dangerous phenomenon where the body continues to cool even after exiting cold water.

What are the risks of cold water immersion?

—Cold water immersion can lead to hypothermia, panic attacks, asthma, and an increase in blood pressure.

How should I acclimatize to cold water?

—Gradually expose yourself to colder water temperatures over time to allow your body to adapt.

What is an ice mile?

—An ice mile is a one-mile swim in water temperatures of 5°C or less, under International Ice Swimming Association rules.

What is after-drop?

—After-drop is a phenomenon where the body's core temperature continues to drop even after exiting cold water, leading to shivering and hypothermia.

Is cold water swimming safe?

—Cold water swimming carries risks and should be approached with caution, especially for those with underlying health conditions.

00:00Cold water immersion has become a social craze, but it comes with risks such as hypothermia and increased heart rate.

01:47Proper acclimatization is necessary before attempting an ice mile, which involves swimming in water temperatures of 5°C or less.

03:27After-drop is a dangerous phenomenon where the body continues to cool even after exiting cold water.

06:32Cold water immersion can lead to panic attacks, asthma, and an increase in blood pressure.

09:20Gradual acclimatization and following safety protocols are essential for a safe cold water swimming experience.

10:19After a cold water swim, it is important to warm up gradually and avoid sudden blood pressure drops.