For most people, the idea of going swimming in freezing water on a cold October morning is not a fun one, however recently popularity surrounding this peculiar pastime has risen massively.

The use of cold-water therapy dates to the Ancient Romans, who had frigidaria- a cold pool, in their baths!

The founder of hydrotherapy was Vincenz Priessent, an Austrian farmer, born in 1799 and died in 1851.

Priessent infamously used wet bandages to heal broken ribs following an accident when he was seventeen.

This discovery led to an increased curiosity in using water for healing and is still used today!

My dad, Ed Rand, has been an avid swimmer since 2017, he shared with me his story on how he first discovered cold- water therapy.

“I started swimming again, as a hobby, around seven years ago in the summer, living near Tooting Bec Lido, a 91 metre long, open air swimming pool, the longest pool in the U.K. I started to enjoy it so much, especially the experience of swimming 91 metres, I got a membership and continued swimming throughout the winter up until April.”

He told me at first, he was not sure “how his body would react to it” having only swam in the summer before, but as the temperature dropped, he began to see the health benefits.

“It is something you must do very slowly and carefully, and you have to listen to your body, especially since now we live in a world of central heating and air conditioning. Just immersing yourself in cold-water for two minutes can gradually build up to being able to swim longer periods to up to about 20 minutes in temperatures as cold as 5 degrees Celsius.”

Many doctors across the world recommend cold-water swimming, as it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and boosts your immune system, preventing the risk of infection throughout these chilly winter months.

It is also said to improve general well-being as it increases endorphin levels, a hormone that alleviates pain, lowers stress, and improves your mood!

So, why not take up a new hobby this autumn and improve your physical and mental health while you are at it?