While the festive season is traditionally a time for giving gifts and volunteering, a growing number of people across the UK are marking it by charging into the freezing sea. Boxing Day and New Year's Day dips are surging in popularity, with participants often dressed in Santa hats and festive costumes from Weymouth to Llandudno.
This trend aligns with the broader rise of wild swimming, where enthusiasts swap heated pools for natural waters. But what is the powerful draw that compels people to return to the icy waves year after year, often for charity?
The Physical Rush and Health Benefits
For many, the initial shock transforms into a profound physical experience. Jenny Urwin, co-founder of open water swimming gear company Warmcor, recalls being “bundled in neoprene from head to toe” during her first New Year's dip, amazed by others swimming in just their regular swimwear, or 'skins'.
She told Metro how that moment became a personal challenge, leading to a transformative journey. “Cold water triggers a cascade of happy hormones that leave you feeling euphoric and energised long after you’ve left the water,” Urwin explained.
She detailed the science: exposure to cold water activates the vagus nerve, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Regular immersion has also been linked to a strengthened immune system, offering greater resilience against seasonal illnesses.
Mental Clarity and Community Spirit
Beyond the physical buzz, the mental shift is a key motivator. Psychotherapist Laura Greenwood discovered wild swimming in 2020 after having a baby, describing it as a crucial piece in rediscovering herself. “When I am feeling completely emotionally and physically dysregulated... wild swimming is sometimes the only thing that truly shifts it,” she said.
Katherine Cavallo, a psychotherapist and spokesperson for the UK Council for Psychotherapy, notes that studies show wild swimming can reduce the stress hormone cortisol while boosting serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. “Swimmers talk of an instantaneous and profound feeling of calm; a sense of being present and alive akin to mindfulness,” she said.
The sense of community and charitable purpose also fuels the tradition. Ryan Hope, who organises the Christmas Harbour Swim in Weymouth for the local Lions club, calls it an “unmissable celebration of festive fun, community pride, and charitable generosity.”
Essential Safety Advice for Winter Swims
With the excitement comes necessary caution. Nick Ayers, the RNLI’s water safety lead, emphasised the real dangers of cold water shock in water 15°C or below, and the risk of hypothermia.
The RNLI's key safety tips for a winter dip include:
- Speak to a doctor first, especially if you have a health condition.
- Never swim alone; go with others or join a group.
- Wear a wetsuit, a bright swim cap, and use a tow float for visibility.
- Acclimatise slowly to reduce the risk of cold-water shock.
- If in doubt, stay out. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
Ayers also advised the float-to-live technique if you get into difficulty: “Float on your back, ears submerged and try to relax and breathe normally.”
From the hormonal high to the mental reset and communal joy, it's clear why these icy plunges have become a cherished, if bracing, British holiday tradition. The look of exhilaration on the faces of dippers each year is testament enough to its addictive, life-affirming appeal.
