Getting started with cold water swimming - By Annie Brooks (www.talesofanniebean.com )

If you love your pool swims and enjoy those open water swims, then this winter you might be ready to take on cold water swimming! Unlike hopping into to your local heated swimming pool to run through your drills, or dipping into that beautiful lake during the summer time, cold water swimming not only challenges physically, it tests you mentally also. Knowing you’re about to step into water that barely reaches double figures, can be a challenge, but this is exactly why it’s fantastic because that sense of

Check out the newest top 10 reasons to take up OPEN WATER SWIMMING - Courtesy of Adam Walker

Where to swim

There are many lakes up and down the country which have organised sessions and have suitable safety in place. I would recommend you swim in one these locations and as there will be other like-minded swimmers there who you can buddy up with and swim in pairs or a small group. In addition you can also make new friends as open water is a very social sport. Not only is it another good safety measure, it makes training easier supporting each other.

Acclimatisation

Due to the climate, open water in lakes, rivers and the ocean

If you're looking to improve your swimming strokes and not yet at your peak, the technique videos on our YouTube channel will help you progress. All six feature James Goddard and have been included in this post so you can use it as a point of reference.

James is an award winning British swimmer who represented Great Britain in the Olympics, FINA World Championships

We're strong believers that children should be introduced to the water as young as possible as it helps with confidence, enjoyment and well-being. It's for this reason our Learn to Swim range of products is designed to suit your child's stage of swim development whether they're starting to swim, learning or confident swimmers looking to improve their technique.

We mentioned swimming in our post about Mental Health Awareness Week, as it's a great way to improve well being. A report published by Swim England last year found Swimming to be particularly beneficial for those with health conditions. It also found evidence that swimmers can live longer. Here are just a few of the ways it can help stress levels and make you feel good.

Swimming is a great form of escapism both physically and mentally. With no distractions, a half an hour swim can help reduce stress, boost energy levels and encourage relaxation. You may find you sleep

While some take to swimming like a duck to water, many can be apprehensive especially if starting to swim regularly. It's usual to have a few pool hang ups along the way but there are many solutions to overcome these. Here are our top tips to ensuring you feel great so you can really make the most of your swims.

Feeling self conscious - It's usual to feel uncomfortable in your swimwear or compare yourself to others. Having a swimsuit that matches your body shape is an ideal way to feel great about yourself. The essential Sandon

What makes Joc #SwimHappy? The friendships, the conversations, escaping the kids and most of all the challenges! This week Joc shares how she challenged herself to conquer the ultimate stroke…Butterfly!

I learnt to swim as an adult. Five years ago I tackled my fear of the water once and for all and started swimming lessons. Not easy, not even fun at times, but very very rewarding. I've found an exercise that is both relaxing, yet taxing; hard work yet n

Now I am quite a few months into my swimming lessons I felt it was a good time to sit down and reflect on my journey so far. There were a lot of ups and downs – but ultimately I feel that I am really getting there!

Baby steps…

My first hurdle was getting over my own mental block of actually getting into the water, overcoming my past experiences and fear of drowning. As an adult through talking with my instructor I came to the realisation that although my fear was reasonable, to and extent it was irrational! I swim in a pool where I can touch the bottom with my feet the whole way along, supported by a competitive swimming ins

Swimming is widely accepted as a great form of exercise for people of any age, but it has distinct benefits for older adults and with National Senior Health and Fitness Day coming up on 25th May, we decided to put some tips together to help you get the most out of every trip to the pool.
Here are 5 different low impact ways that you can exercise in the water:   

Supported Movement