Latest news with #coldwater


Washington Post
25-06-2025
- Climate
- Washington Post
In hot weather, should you drink ice water?
Should you drink cold water when it's hot outside? If the heat is increasing in your area, you may be hydrating more. But should your water be at a certain temperature? Whether you enjoy drinking water that is room temperature, cool from the tap, or chock-full of ice cubes, there are few wrong ways to hydrate, experts said. In most cases, it comes down to how you prefer your H2O. There are some key reasons, however, that some people opt for cooler or warmer water.


Times
23-06-2025
- Health
- Times
‘Benign masochism' of naked swimming brings us closer together
Wild swimming in a chilly river; running into the freezing sea for a new year's day splash; impulsive skinny-dipping in the cold waters of a lake. Why do these people do it? Jumping naked into the water with a group of other people might sound hellish to many, but the so-called 'benign masochism' and resultant 'trauma bonding' can bring participants closer together, a study has found. The effect is similar to eating spicy food or watching horror movies. For while the practice may sound painful, it actually induces pleasure in group situations. 'Enduring discomfort together may bring people closer, especially when it's mixed with a bit of joy,' the study found. Researchers in Australia, where it is currently winter, wanted to know why hundreds of strangers run naked into the Derwent River in Tasmania at sunrise for what is known as the Dark Mofo solstice swim, part of a wider arts and culture festival. Over ten years of studies, researchers tracked those who took part. Dr Laura Ferris, a social psychologist from the University of Queensland, said: 'We surveyed people before and after taking the plunge and found a significant boost in feelings of connection after the swim.' Cold water, hot food and horror films can all form part of what psychologists call 'benign masochism', Ferris said. 'Some of these experiences are painful but also enjoyable. Our findings suggest pleasure plays a significant role in why people might chase that feeling — and this helps us feel connected to others.' Ferris's research has previously found that pain can activate opioids within the body that persist after the pain has worn off, leaving behind a pleasurable sensation. 'We hear a lot about 'trauma bonding' and how shared adversity brings people together, but our research showed something further,' she said. 'Pleasure, rather than pain, came up as the strongest predictor of whether participants in these events felt bonded with each other.' The researchers also surveyed participants at a Dark Mofo artistic installation designed to splatter people with blood from an animal carcass, to the soundtrack of a loud 'dirge'. This experience was 'intentionally unpleasant' but was not 'physically painful', Ferris said. 'Of the two events, participants in the swim — although they likely experienced more physical pain — were significantly more likely to report pleasure and a stronger boost in social identification with their group,' Ferris added. Those in the UK seeking to test the hypothesis are in luck. There are scores of naked swimming events organised this summer as part of the Great British Skinny Dip, a programme designed to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and compiled by the British Naturism group. 'Thousands of people across the UK will be skinny dipping to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and experiencing the exhilaration of being naked,' British Naturism said. 'They will improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing, body confidence and reduce their stress. They'll also have great fun.'
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Cooling off in the water this weekend? Here's what you need to know
As the warmer weather starts to roll in, thousands of people will be heading to the water to cool off, but officials are warning people to stay safe when entering Washington's lakes and rivers. Pinpoint Alert Days issued for warm temperatures and cold water danger Sunday and Monday 'What surprises people is the rivers. If they get in there, it's gonna be bone-chilling, cold,' said Peter Mongillo with Snohomish Regional Fire. Mongillo wants to remind people that rivers and lakes can be frigid, despite the heat outside. 'You can get your energy sapped very quickly... If you fill up with, you know, water in your lungs, you're gonna sink like a rock,' he explained. According to the National Weather Service, cold shock can happen in 50-to-60-degree water. Here are the current water temperatures in Western Washington: Lake Washington: 66° Lake Sammamish: 70° Green Lake: 65° Puget Sound (Seattle Aquarium): 56° Lake Stevens: 62° Lake Ballinger: 64° Lake Tapps: 51° Tolt River: 52° Snoqualmie River: 52° Due to these cold temperatures, Mongillo urges everyone to wear life vests — even if they know how to swim. 'Especially in the rivers, your hands become less functional. You can't grab onto things as easily, you can't swing your arms as easily, but you know what, if you got that life jacket on you're at least you're afloat,' he added. Fire officials can't emphasize enough that parents keep an eye on their kids in the water and don't get distracted looking down at their phones. Mongillo says that when the weather starts to warm up, they see an increase in water rescue calls. 'Sadly, the first warm weekend of the year, especially here in the Pacific Northwest, we can set our clocks to it because that's when drownings really start picking up in the lakes and the rivers,' he said.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Lake Tahoe water temperature remains cold, posing risks for swimmers
( — With the weather getting warmer, the water temperatures of Lake Tahoe are still on the cooler side, according to the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. NLTFPD stated that before you swim, check the temperature of the water and know your limitations. Lake Tahoe remains the second deepest lake in the United States; because of this, the temperature remains lower year-round. At this time, NLTFPD said that the lake temperature is currently in the high 50s, which is considered to be cold water and can quickly lead to cold water shock, swim failure, and hypothermia. 'Cold water shock is a real risk. An average of seven people drown in Lake Tahoe every year due to cold water shock,' said NLTFPD officials. 'Cold water shock occurs when the body enters extremely cold water and the muscles lock up, resulting in temporary paralysis.' Stockton's FatherFest: A day of fun and family bonding For more updated information on water temperatures and lake conditions, click here. During the summer and throughout the year, NLTFPD responds to numerous water emergencies on the lake, according to officials. Here are some safety precautions before heading to the cold waters at Lake Tahoe. Boat Safety: Each person on board a boat, including paddleboards, must have at least one USCG-approved life Jacket Children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket while the boat is underway, unless they are in an enclosed area Carry a whistle or horn Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature Check the weather forecast for wind conditions Never go on the water alone Don't drink alcohol while recreating on the lake File a float plan – leave it with a friend or family member Swim Safety Wear a USCG-approved life jacket Know your swimming limitations Enter the water slowly Feet first, first time Swim with a buddy Respect the dangers of cold water Check the weather for wind conditions Stay hydrated Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- Times
Does ‘contrast therapy' work? What to know before taking the plunge
We've all heard that cold water swimming is supposed to be good for us and that regular use of traditional saunas can make us happier and healthier, but the latest trend combines the two extremes. Contrast therapy, as it is known, entails switching between hot and cold temperatures, jumping from cold water to sauna and back again, and is said to improve circulation, boost mood and promote muscle recovery. It's not a new concept: the Romans would have a caldarium (hot steam room) and a frigidarium (cold pool) in their bathhouses, while for decades athletes have used contrast therapy to aid recovery. However, the practice has recently caught the imagination of the wellness brigade and word has spread about its healing capabilities. • Read more