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A brief guide to water temperatures in open water

Temperature Technical term Description
0 to 5 degrees Bloody freezing The preferred temperature for extreme winter swimmers. Causes pain and takes your breath away. Except for the very experienced, and only under strict supervision, swims should be limited to a few minutes. Enjoy the buzz when you get out.
5 to 10 degrees Effing cold Typical lake and river temperature in early spring. Still painfully cold and not recommended for anything other than very short swims (5 to 10 minutes) unless you are very experienced.
10 to 15 degrees Nippy or ‘not as warm as we like it’ Open water starts reaching these temperatures in late spring around much of the UK. At the lower ends, it will still feel extremely cold initially but longer swims are now possible. Experienced swimmers can manage several hours or more as the water approaches the mid teens but hypothermia is still a big risk.
15 to 20 degrees Alright (once you get used to it) The English Channel in summer. If you’ve only ever swum in a pool, this will feel cold but with a bit of experience and practice most people find this range comfortable, at least initially.
20 to 25 degrees Balmy Rarely reached in the sea around the UK, but sometimes in inland lakes. If you’re a habitual wetsuit wearer then seriously consider removing it at these temperatures to avoid overheating. Very pleasant.
25 to 30 degrees Stifling Like a swimming pool. Some open water swimmers find these temperatures too high for serious swimming. Make sure you have plenty to drink. Don’t wear a wetsuit.
30 degrees plus Hot Avoid strenuous swimming as there is a definite risk of heat stroke.

Note, swimmers have widely differing opinions about comfortable water temperatures and people’s bodies respond differently. Learn to trust your own experience and feelings.

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I created Outdoor Swimmer in 2011 (initially as H2Open Magazine) as an outlet for my passion for swimming outdoors. I've been a swimmer and outdoor swimmer for as long as I remember. Swimming has made a huge difference to my life and I want to share its joys and benefits with as many people as possible. I am also the author of Swim Wild & Free: A Practical Guide to Swimming Outdoors 365 a Year and I provide one-to-one support to swimmers through Swim Mentoring.