BRACE yourself, take the winter plunge and feel the benefit – is the message to Petersfield swimmers

The summer season may be over, but Petersfield Open Air Pool is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9am to 1pm, for cold water swimming, which is proving very popular with both adults and children.

Pool manager Deborah Mitchell is keen to stress the positive impact on health swimming in cold water can have.

This was demonstrated on a BBC programme recently – The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs – when a woman suffering from depression and anxiety was urged to take the plunge in cold water. She found her symptoms were alleviated.

“The feedback has been really positive with a mix of new visitors and regular swimmers who are really enjoying the benefits of cooler waters,” said Deborah after the first few sessions.

Petersfield GP Emma Harris, who is also a keen swimmer, added: “Cold water swimming has been found to have positive effects on both mental and physical health and wellbeing. There has been much research into the impact of the body’s adaptations to swimming in cold water.

“Studies suggest that swimming in cold water helps stimulate the release of endorphins, giving swimmers an uplifting feeling and sense of calm. This is in addition to robust evidence regarding the positive effect of exercise in helping combat low mood and depression.

“The body has to work hard to swim in cold water, to fuel both the exercise and adaptation to the environment. These processes can lead to enhanced cardiovascular circulation, increase in heart rate and amount of calories burned, whilst having a positive effect on the body’s metabolic rate and immune system in the long term.”

E-mail Deborah on [email protected] with any questions. Visit your doctors with any health concerns. Visit www.petersfieldopenairpool.co.uk