Q&A for How to Swim in Cold Water

You can start by decreasing the temperature when you shower to get used to being in cold water. Start swimming in the summer, when the water is warmest, and keep it up as the water gradually gets colder. You can also exercise to a sweat before going into the water. This will make the cold water feel more pleasant.

You could do one of two things: 1) get a wetsuit, 2) swim a length underwater to let your body adapt to the cold water.

A pair of wetsuit shoes with grip will help you out here. Ease yourself into the water slowly, making sure you have a firm grip on less slimy rocks. Once you get into a safe depth, you can start swimming.

Moving causes your body to use energy and heat up. This is helpful to combat the cold water for a short period of time before your body cannot handle the cold any longer.

Wear a wetsuit or swim outfit, which consists of a swim shirt and swim pants. It's like a bathing suit but with long sleeves and long pants.

No, it won't.

Jump in really quickly and swim about. The cold will last for a few minutes, then you will be fine. Try to do this 3 times a year, and your body will withstand the cold water.

Slowly enter the water to better acclimate to it.

Maybe you could move it out of the shade. Also, if you fill it about six inches, let it warm, fill it six more and so on, it could be warm immediately, or you could run the hose from a hot or warm water tap into the pool.

It depends on how cold the water is. If it's so cold that you get hypothermia, and you don't get medical attention right afterwards, you could die.

I'm assuming that when you say freezing, you mean lap pool temperature, 77-82 degrees, not "ice chunks floating around" temperature. When you really start to swim laps, you sweat, and the cold pool is nice. But when you're younger, or just starting, the pool can be really cold! Try to keep moving as much as possible, or maybe try working up a sweat before you get in the pool. Also, bring something warm to drink when you're all done, like tea or hot chocolate. Try talking to your coaches, and your mom too, maybe they'll have more ideas.

Slowly enter the water to better acclimate to it. If this doesn't work, maybe you are allergic to the chlorine in the pool or another element in the pool.

When you first enter the water, if you aren't used to cold temperatures, you will most likely be uncomfortable for the first few minutes. Resist staying still, as you might want to in the cold water, but instead get yourself slowly acclimated to the water, and try to move a bit.