1)Immune Health

More important than ever to have a healthy immunity system. Would you believe cold open water swimming could be key? A 1996 study found immersing yourself in cold water for an hour, three times a week increases your white blood cell count, which boosts your immune system, meaning less colds through winter, despite regularly dipping yourself in icy cold water.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8925815/

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2)Helps Fight Depression

Exercise and physical activity positively impact our mood. One of the ways it does that is by increasing the secretion of dopamine- the happy hormone. Dopamine creates a feeling of euphoria and excitement. Studies show that swimming in water of 14 degrees Celsius increased dopamine levels by 250 percent. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049052/

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3)Burns More Calories

Cold water swimming has a physical effect causing an increase in your metabolic rate- in other words energy turnover increases, causing you to burn more calories.

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4)Improves Cardiovascular Health

Swimming being an aerobic exercise- strengthens the heart by helping it pump more efficiently- leading to better blood flow throughout your body.

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5)Reduces Stress

Ask any swimmer and they will tell you that being in the water helps soothe the mind and reduce anxiety. In fact a study done by swimengland.com shows it significantly reduces the symptoms of depression of those who regularly swim. Physical activity triggers the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of our nervous system that's responsible for rest and relaxation.