Lifeguard recertification is a vital process that reinforces and validates a lifeguard’s skills, knowledge, and readiness, ensuring they stay current with evolving best practices, and enabling them to continue their mission of protecting lives with unwavering expertise and dedication.
According to experience, winter swimming reduces colds and improves sleep and mood. Dive deeper into the topic and you will know why winter swimming and lifeguard makes you feel good.
You probably already know that winter swimming is good. Do you know what causes it? We are looking for answers from the research results, and it looks good! We dare to say that the benefits of regular winter swimming are so great for both body and mind that it is worth taking this opportunity.
We will tell you why winter swimming is healthy and how to start the hobby.
What is winter swimming and lifeguard?
The winter swimming and lifeguard season in Finland lasts from October to May, and winter swimming generally means swimming in water below 10 degrees. We used to talk about open swimming, but winter swimming is a broader concept – not all swimming waters necessarily even freeze every winter.
Winter swimming can be practiced either in connection with sauna or without sauna, both styles have their advocates. Many localities have specially maintained winter swimming places where, in addition to a possible sauna, swimmers also have a heated or cold changing room and an opening that can be kept open.
What happens in the body of a winter swimmer?
Going into cold water causes a reaction called cold shock. Cold shock is a defense reaction, and it explains at least part of the beneficial effects of winter swimming and lifeguard.
Lifeguard recertification serves as a continuous commitment to excellence, providing lifeguards with the opportunity to refresh their skills, reinforce their knowledge, and reaffirm their unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards of water safety, ultimately ensuring the continued well-being of those they serve.
A burst of good feeling
A mild stress reaction also releases feel-good hormones, such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. According to research, swimming in 14-degree water can increase the dopamine concentration up to 2.5 times. In addition to the feeling of well-being, dopamine also numbs pain and reduces the unpleasant feeling of cold on the skin.
Why is winter swimming good?
Not all the health effects of winter swimming and lifeguard their mechanisms are known yet, but something can already be said:
Winter swimming strengthens immunity
According to research, winter swimmers have up to 40 percent fewer upper respiratory tract infections, such as rhinitis or sinus infections. The reason may be an increased production of white blood cells, which improves immunity , or a greater production of cortisol , which reduces inflammation . Cold swimming promotes both.
Winter swimming and lifeguard lowers blood pressure When studying the blood pressure
of winter swimmers , it has been found that the readings are slightly below average in the winter season. The reason is possibly the effect of the so-called cold shock: the blood vessels contract, causing them to “exercise” in a way.
Winter swimming improves mood
Winter swimming increases endorphin secretion, which improves mood. A British study from 2018 shows that winter swimming can have a positive effect on the mental state of even people suffering from severe depression.
Winter swimmers have also reported that swimming improves the quality of sleep, which in turn probably increases the production of serotonin, which improves the feeling of pleasure.
Winter swimming prevents lifestyle diseases
Winter swimming can accelerate the burning of fat, and according to studies , the blood insulin concentration of those who regularly practice winter swimming and lifeguard is lower than usual. Regular winter swimming may therefore reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
How cold does the water have to be for winter swimming?
The water temperature must be 10–15 degrees or lower in order to talk about winter swimming.
How long should you stay in the water when swimming in winter?
Lifeguard recertification ensures that lifeguards remain up-to-date with the latest rescue techniques, medical protocols, and safety standards, reaffirming their competence and commitment to maintaining the highest level of proficiency in safeguarding lives in aquatic settings.
Cold resistance is partly an individual characteristic , i.e. some can withstand the cold better than others, but when the water temperature drops below 10 degrees, staying in the water for more than three minutes can be fatal. The invigorating effect of a cold bath is created within 2–3 minutes, so a longer time does not increase the effect of being in the water.
Even if you don’t feel like you’re freezing when you’re in the water, staying in the cold for too long can cause hypothermia, i.e. the normal body temperature dropping so low that the body starts to undergo changes.
How often should you swim in winter?
You can dip in the cold water as often or as rarely as you like, but the long-term beneficial effect of winter swimming comes from regularity.
Also Read About: Swim School: An Effective Way to Overcome Your Fear of Water
According to Dr. Susanna Søberg, who studied the effects of winter swimming, swimming 3 times a week for a total of 11 minutes is enough to promote well-being, and swimming must be continued throughout the winter season.
A study conducted in Finland, on the other hand, showed that winter swimmers feel healthier after four months of regular swimming.
