Staying Safe

If you have any underlying health conditions or any other medical conditions that might be affected by exposure to cold water, or if you are pregnant, then please seek medical advice before signing up and taking on the challenge.

This challenge is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18. You must be over 18 to register and participate.

It is important you have the right kit for taking on cold water dips to keep warm and safe. 

• Wetsuits, neoprene boots, gloves and a hat to keep warm. 
• Bright coloured hat and/or tow float so that you can be seen. 
• Plenty of warm clothes to warm up after your dip. 
• Whistle to signal for attention if you get into danger
• Waterproof/dry bag to keep your mobile phone – use if you get into danger

Select a site that you know well to take on your dip.  If outdoors, ideally pick a place where you or others have dipped before, or with lifeguards.  If no lifeguard present, ensure entry and exit is safe and assess local hazards like tides, currents, and pollution. 

Always check the weather forecast, sea or water conditions, tides and potential pollution alerts. Be ready to change your plans. 

Never dip alone, take someone with you. If you are both going in the water,  make sure to tell a friend or family member where and when you’ll be dipping and when you’ll be returning.  

If taking on in the great outdoors, get a waterproof cover for your phone so you can take it in with you and ideally have someone on land watching (and cheering you on). Make sure you have a charged phone with you and the location you are going has signal.  Take a whistle to attract attention if you feel panicked or get into difficulty.

Please take the time to check advice from the following websites: 

RNLI – RNLI Open Water Swimming Safety Advice And Tips 

Outdoor Swimming Society – Cold – Outdoor Swimming Society Outdoor Swimming Society 

Open water swimming | National Water Safety Forum – Open Water Swimming – National Water Safety Forum 

Sea safety | HM Coastguard UK – Sea safety | HM Coastguard UK 

Beach safety | HM Coastguard UK – Beach safety | HM Coastguard UK 

If you are dipping in the great outdoors, make sure you take a friend; never undertake this challenge alone  

Let your body adjust.  Do NOT jump or dive in.  Stay within your comfort zone and close to land. 

Stay within your comfort zone and don’t push yourself.  Limit the amount of time you are in the water based on water and air temperature.  Use a timer.  

Be Aware of your limits: 

• Assess the conditions – do get in if the conditions are not right
• Don’t go alone
• Wear the right kit
• Enter the water slowly to acclimatise to the temperature. Never jump or dive in!
• Don’t go beyond your limit or comfort zone
• Stay within your depths
• Make sure you don’t go too far from land if doing this in the great outdoors
• The colder the water and the air temperature the less time you should spend in the water
• Set a timer and get out when it goes off, don’t overexert yourself
• Plan how you will get in and out and stick to the plan

Do not consume alcohol or drugs whilst undertaking your dips as it severely impairs your judgement and reactions  

If you are feeling very cold, disorientated, dizzy or have difficulty breathing please seek help immediately.

If you experience cold water shock or fall into the water, fight your instinct to swim until the cold-water shock passes; relax and float on your back until you can control your breathing and call for help!

If tired or in difficulty, remember to roll onto your back to rest, hold on to something that floats, and signal for help.

If you get into difficulty whilst in a river, float with your feet facing downstream and your bottom up – use your feet to kick off any hazards. Keeping your bottom up protects you from contact with debris.

You can find more information here: Know the risks (rnli.org) and here Float To Live – What To Do In An Emergency – RNLI

Please take the time to read advice on temperature and how to prevent cold water shock, hypothermia, after drop and cold incapacitation You can read more about it here: outdoorswimmer.com

Move slowly as your coordination may be reduced  

Start with top half of you body then add hat, gloves and layers.  This will minimise the risk of after drop. 

To further reduce the risk of afterdrop have a non-alcoholic warm drink and snack.

Avoid immediate hot showers or saunas

Be alert to further cooling internally after you exit the water, continue to warm gradually and sensibly. Monitor for Hypothermia – severe shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness – seek medical attention  

By signing up you will be confirming that you have read the safety guidance and that you are over 18,  physically fit and in good health to safely take part in this challenge. That you have no known condition that may affect your ability to take on this challenge or that could cause a risk of danger to myself or others. You must understand that you are 100% responsible for choosing a safe location for your challenge and that you acknowledge that you are taking part in this event at your own risk and that Prostate Cancer Research, cannot be held liable for any injury, accident, loss, damage or public liability caused or sustained before, during or after the event, as a result of your participation. You need to understand that you are responsible for your own safety and your own actions (including the safety of your possessions) whilst undertaking this challenge. 

We understand you may be concerned about the safety of this challenge. Please rest assured that the safety of our supporters is our highest priority.  We have conducted a full risk assessment covering all risks and all supporters are provided with detailed safety guidance and risk information before registering, which you can view above.  By providing this information, we aim to ensure participants can make informed and safe decisions when undertaking their dips.  If you wish to discuss this further, please do get in touch on 02037355444 or [email protected]