Collection: Open water swimming

Warm hat or cap

Most of the body heat is lost through the head, so a warm hat is also important when diving. Since diving is not recommended, the hat stays above the water surface throughout the dive and helps keep you more comfortable.

Open water swimming shoes and gloves

The first thing you feel when you feel cold water is your fingers and toes. That's why many people use neoprene open water swimming shoes and gloves to reduce the pain caused by the cold and make the experience more comfortable. With the help of these accessories, the cold water is not as sharp and you can enjoy the dip for longer.

Bathrobe or large towel

After a swim, it's nice to wrap yourself in a warm bathrobe – especially if the changing rooms or sauna aren't right next to the pool. A large towel or long jacket also works well, as long as you can quickly get some protection and warmth for your body.

Warm clothes for the trip home

After a dip, it's a good idea to dress warmly right away. A wool layer, soft sweatpants, or any warm outfit that you can quickly pull on is a good choice. In freezing temperatures, even a short trip can feel long without proper clothing.

Water bottle

Remember to stay hydrated! Open-water swimming and possibly sauna bathing will increase fluid loss from the body. The feeling of thirst may be less in the cold, so drink water after a dip – and preferably also during the sauna session.

The cold water is felt first in the fingers and toes. Neoprene open water swimming slippers and gloves protect the skin, reduce pain and make the experience more comfortable.

After an open water swim, it is important to quickly put on warm clothes. A wool layer, sweatshirt or other warm clothing that is easy to pull on will protect you from the cold, even if the trip is short.

Evening swimming is a great hobby for almost everyone, regardless of age or gender, and it is estimated that there are around 100,000 active enthusiasts of the sport in Finland.

Remember! People with heart disease and asthma should talk to their doctor before starting this activity. Momentary exposure to cold puts strain on the heart and constricts the bronchi. The momentary constriction of the peripheral circulation temporarily increases blood pressure and heart rate, which leads to strain on the heart.

When you start winter swimming, go with a more experienced swimmer the first few times. A quick dip is enough at first – you should gradually increase the time you spend in the water in subsequent sessions.

Do not go into the water alone. Cold water can cause sudden cold shock: breathing stops for a moment, followed by rapid, uncontrolled breathing. You may also feel cold pain, which is relieved by staying calm and breathing evenly. The body usually gets used to the cold after a couple of weeks of training.

It is a good idea for first-time divers to enter the water carefully, using steps for support. Neoprene slippers and gloves make it easier, as they keep your hands and feet warmer. It is also a good idea to wear a warm hat throughout the dive.

The experience of open water swimming varies from person to person, as cold affects body size and composition differently. A slim and small person loses heat more quickly, while a larger person with more body fat retains heat better.

Adapting to the cold requires regular training – ideally 3-4 times a week. If there is a longer break in the cold, the adaptation must be restarted with short dips.

Safety instructions for open water swimming

• Do not enter the cave under the influence of alcohol, if you are sick or have a fever. If you have cardiovascular disease, talk to your doctor first.
• Warm up your muscles before swimming by, for example, walking or skiing.
• Always go to the beach with a friend and supervise children when they are swimming.
• Avoid moving quickly between the sauna and the open air – the large temperature difference puts a strain on the heart.
• Wear slippers, gloves and a hat to protect yourself from the cold and slipping. Be careful on slippery stairs and platforms.
• Do not jump or dive into the opening, wetting your head is not recommended.
• Start with short dips and gradually increase the time as your body gets used to the cold.
• Dress warmly and enjoy a warm drink if necessary.
• Report any security deficiencies to the operator of the opening and, if necessary, call 112 for help.

Open-air swimming pools are maintained by municipalities, Suomen Latu, local associations and tourism companies. Open-air swimming places can be found by searching for open-air swimming and the name of the place. We have made a comprehensive list of open-air saunas in Finland.