Saturday Winter Swim

We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before your scheduled swim time during winter sessions. Cold-water swimming requires additional preparation, such as layering up appropriately, completing safety checks, and ensuring you’re ready for a prompt and safe entry into the water.

Winter swimming is open to participants aged 9 and above, due to the increased physical demands of sub 10°C water. Anyone under 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. All swimmers must follow the rules and safety guidelines of Yorkshire Outdoor Swimmers (YOS) and Rotherham Sailing Club, and should be confident in cold water.

Safety measures include the presence of spotters and safety craft to monitor swimmers. All swimmers are required to wear a brightly coloured swim hat for visibility. If an emergency signal (siren or air horn) is sounded, all swimmers must immediately return to shore and exit the water. Swimmers should be capable of swimming 100 meters unaided and are expected to swim entirely at their own risk.

If you have a medical condition or are taking medication that may affect your ability to swim, you must notify a member of the YOS team. If unsure whether cold-water swimming is suitable for you, seek advice from a medical professional.

Yes, swimmers must access the water only from the designated area in front of the clubhouse. Access from adjacent finishing pegs, the dam wall, the bridge, or any other areas is strictly prohibited. Jumping or diving from the jetty is also not allowed due to fluctuating water levels.

Swimmers should take extra care when preparing for winter open water sessions. Before entering the water, ensure you are well-hydrated, feeling healthy, and wearing suitable thermal protection such as neoprene gloves, boots, or caps. Cover any cuts or open sores and avoid swimming if you are unwell or at risk of infection. After your swim, exit the water promptly once you begin to feel cold, dry off immediately, and dress in warm, layered clothing—including a hat and gloves—to help your body reheat gradually. Avoid taking a shower straight away, as this can cause light-headedness. If you feel unwell at any point after your swim, particularly with symptoms of cold-related illness or gastroenteritis, notify YOS Admin and seek medical advice.

For winter sessions, swimmers are strongly encouraged to use appropriate thermal gear to stay safe and comfortable. While wetsuits are optional unless stated otherwise, many swimmers choose to wear them in sub 10°C water. Neoprene accessories such as gloves, boots, and thermal swim caps are highly recommended, as they help retain heat in extremities and make the experience more enjoyable. We also advise bringing warm layers for after your swim, such as insulated robes, woolly hats, gloves, spare socks, extra towels, and a flask with a hot drink. Some swimmers find a hot water bottle helpful for gradual rewarming. Tow floats may also be required or encouraged for visibility and safety.

Winter swimming requires careful time management due to rapid heat loss in sub 10°C water. Most swimmers limit their time to between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on experience, fitness, and how their body reacts to cold. The biggest risks include cold shock, which can affect breathing in the first minute of immersion, and hypothermia, which can develop quickly if you stay in too long. Swimmers should enter the water gradually, focus on steady breathing, and remain aware of how they feel throughout the swim. It’s also important to recognise signs of cooling, such as reduced coordination, numbness, shivering, or difficulty speaking. Equally important is understanding afterdrop, where your core temperature continues to fall even after exiting the water this is why prompt drying, dressing, and gradual warming are essential. If you feel unwell at any point, you should exit immediately and inform a member of the team.

Winter swims have enhanced safety protocols due to the lower temperatures and increased physical demands. Qualified spotters and safety craft monitor swimmers throughout each session, and all swimmers must wear brightly coloured swim hats for visibility. Swimming alone is strictly prohibited winter swimming must take place only during supervised sessions. We also recommend that swimmers are confident in open water and capable of swimming at least 100 metres unaided. Where applicable, we may limit swim distances or adjust course layouts to ensure swimmers remain within close reach of safety support. If a siren or horn sounds, you must immediately make your way out of the water.

To ensure all swimmers are safely acclimatised, winter sessions require recent or prior cold-water experience. Swimmers must have either taken part in winter swimming before or completed an open-water swim within the past two weeks. When booking, you’ll be asked to confirm that you meet these cold-water experience requirements.