What it does for your head…

• It puts you at water level and allows you to experience the natural world on nature’s terms.
• It causes a decrease in cortisol and other stress hormones.

• It removes the headache of swimming lanes and bumping into devil-may-care sprint swimmers.

• It breaks up your routine and gives you time to clear your head of humdrum, everyday business

What it does for your body…

• It teaches you to control your body temperature and improves your ability to manage the cold.

• It boosts the immune system, increasing your white blood cell counts. The cold water acts a mild antagonist, activating and training your immune system.

• It immerses you in cold and allows less strained movement, soothing any vestigial muscular aches.

• It shuffles your exercise regime. Physically, the act of wild swimming puts you in an environment you’re not used to. This adds an element of fun and exploration that can encourage you to do more exercise.

What it does for your heart…

• It instils a sense of adventure in you, taking you down the road less travelled and gives you a taster of the pioneer spirit.

• It enhances your knowledge of biodiversity – travelling down waterways you’re much more likely to encounter rare flora and fauna.

• After swimming in rivers, ponds, tarns and lakes, it eventually brings you to the ocean. It’s hard not to fall further in love with our blue planet when you start dipping your toes in these colossal expanses.

• It’s a good laugh.