Sea temperature and swimming
| Water | °C | °F | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very cold | Below 10 | Below 50 | Risk of cold water shock; experienced cold-water swimmers only |
| Cold | 10–15 | 50–59 | Bracing; a wetsuit helps for more than a dip |
| Cool | 15–18 | 59–64 | Fine once you are in |
| Pleasant | 18–22 | 64–72 | Comfortable for most swimmers |
| Warm | 22–26 | 72–79 | Easy to stay in for a long time |
| Very warm | 26+ | 79+ | Tropical, bath-like water |
Staying safe in cold water
- Get in slowly and let your breathing settle before you swim; the gasp reflex passes in about a minute.
- Stay close to shore and swim parallel to it, ideally at a lifeguarded beach.
- Get out before you shiver, and warm up gradually with dry, warm layers and a hot drink.
- If you get into trouble, float on your back until your breathing is under control, then call for help or swim to safety.
Temperature is only part of the picture: check the tide times, the wind and the flags at the beach, and never swim alone in cold water.