- Never go into the water alone. Have someone on the shore watching you.
- Enter slowly, do not jump. In the first minute the cold speeds up your breathing.
- Start with short swims and listen to your own body, not to others.
- After you get out, your body keeps cooling for up to 30 minutes. Dry off, dress in layers, have a hot drink.
What to keep in mind
Ask your doctor
Health requirementsWith certain conditions, during pregnancy or if you take medication regularly, cold water can be dangerous. Check when you should talk to a doctor first.
Start in autumn
Read first: SafetyIdeally, start as early as autumn: if you go in every week as the water cools, your body gets used to the cold gradually. You can join later too, but then you need to be far more careful and cautious.
Find company
Teams and cold-water spotsStarting out alongside an experienced group is safer, and your motivation lasts longer.
Prepare to warm up
Have these waiting for you on the shore:
- Hat
- Towel
- Layered clothing
- Warm drink
Equipment
The essence of ice swimming is that you wear only the bare minimum in the water: one swimsuit, one cap, one pair of goggles, plus a waist belt or tow float. At competitions and official swims (such as an Ice Mile), the Swimming Rules and Regulations of the International Ice Swimming Association (IISA) (section 5.3) set out what is allowed. The list below summarises them; in case of doubt, the rules themselves apply.
In the water: what you need
Swimsuit
One standard swimsuit. For women, it may not reach below the knees, be broader than the shoulders or come above the neckline; for men, it may not reach below the knees or above the navel. Racing suits approved by World Aquatics are permitted for pool swimming.
Cap
One standard silicone or latex cap. Soul Caps approved by World Aquatics are permitted; bubble caps are not.
Goggles
One pair of standard, non-technical goggles.
Waist belt
A rescue aid: in an emergency, the swimmer can be lifted out of the water by it. Mandatory for all IISA swims, regardless of distance or stroke; it must be visible and accessible during the swim.
For safety purposes only
Earplugs
Allowed for safety purposes only, but strongly recommended. According to the IISA Medical and Safety Regulations (sections 3.3.2–3.3.3), prolonged immersion predisposes swimmers to ear canal infections, and constant irritation from cold water can, over many years, cause bony growths (exostoses, “surfers’ ear”) in the ear canal that may impair hearing. The colder water of ice swimming increases this risk.
Nose clip, mouthguard
Allowed for safety purposes only.
Grease
Permitted only against chafing.
Tape for injuries
No more than one or two fingers or toes may be taped; no other tape on the body.
Tow float
Under the IISA rules, not compulsory in open water, but MAJETUSZ strongly recommends it, and the observer or safety officer may require one. Its string must be at least 30 cm long. At training sessions and local competitions it may be mandatory: always follow the local rules.
Not allowed
Neoprene, insulated swimsuits
Swimsuits with insulating lining (neoprene and the like) are generally not allowed at official ice swimming competitions. Some special events may permit them, possibly in a separate category: always check the event rules.
Other accessories
Any other accessories are not allowed, such as music players or heat bags.
Sports watch
Not allowed in pool events.
These restrictions apply to competitions and official swims: in training you can of course use anything. A particular competition may also allow some of them; always check the event's announcement to see what is permitted.
The IISA rules and forms we refer to are listed on the Documents page.