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TIPS AND ADVICE
Swimming in cold water can put additional stress on your body so it is important to check that you are fit to train and compete in the event. You must be able to swim more than the distance of the event you have entered non-stop in a pool by the day of the swim. If you are unwell in the days before the event, even if you are raising money for charity, please don’t swim. Most medical emergencies occur in people who have been unwell but don’t want to miss out on the event. • Swimming is no different to other forms of exercise – as you increase your activity level, your body temperature increases, and you lose body fluid leaving to dehydration and impaired performance. This can be exacerbated when wearing a wetsuit, particularly on hot days.
• Ensure you drink little and often before your swim and rehydrate well afterwards. Do not drink any alcohol the night before and on the day of the event as it can cause dehydration.
• Some of the main risks associated with open water swimming are related to the effects of cold water. If your core temperature drops too low, you could suffer from hypothermia, which can be very serious.
• If the water temperature is cold, wear an additional swim hat under your official Great Swim hat, preferably neoprene. It could also be worth investing in some neoprene socks and gloves for colder water temperatures.
• On a hot day, do not put your wetsuit on fully until just before you go through check-in to avoid dehydration.
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