Do a New Year's polar plunge

A polar plunge is a run into cold water, a scream and a run straight back out, and it’s over in about ten minutes with the changing. Lots of beaches and lakes hold an organised one on New Year’s Day. It’s a short, silly, slightly brave way to start the year, and it’s much better done in a crowd than alone.

When and where

Do it only at an organised event, with lifeguards or safety crews and a clearly marked entry and exit. Look at your local beach or lake’s site, or at the town’s events page, for a New Year’s Day plunge. Some run for charity, and a few ask you to sign up.

Don’t make your own plunge in a lake, pond, river or the sea. Cold water is dangerous, currents and ice can’t be judged from the shore, and nobody will be there if you get into trouble.

If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, asthma or any other health concern, check with a doctor before you plunge, and skip it if they say no. Don’t plunge if you’ve been drinking, or if you feel unwell.

What to wear and bring

Beyond the list above:

• A swimsuit worn under a warm coat or robe, so you can change quickly.
• Water shoes or old sneakers for the rocks, shells or cold sand. Your feet will go numb.
• A big towel, and a second one if you’ve got it.
• Dry clothes in a bag, including a warm top, a hat, thick socks and dry shoes.
• A hot drink in a thermos.
• Someone to hold your phone and things, and cheer.

Think about where you’ll change. Many events have a heated tent, but not all do. A car nearby makes it easy.

How to do it

1. Get ready first. Put your towel and dry clothes where you can grab them at once.
2. Wait until the start. Don’t undress before it’s time. Cold shoulders and wet sand are miserable.
3. Go in as a group. Walk or run in, following the safety crew’s instructions and staying within the marked area.
4. Go in up to your waist or chest, and not further. Splash, scream, laugh.
5. Come out straight away. A minute or less is plenty. Don’t swim, and don’t dive, because the shock can make it hard to breathe.
6. Dry off and dress. Towel off, take off the wet swimsuit if you can, and put on dry clothes starting with your top half. Add a hat and thick socks.
7. Warm up. Walk about, drink something hot, and go somewhere warm. Shivering is normal.

Why people do it

For most people a plunge is a New Year’s tradition: a fast, loud, shared way to mark the date, often for charity. It isn’t a test of toughness, and nobody needs to go in for long or all the way. If you want to do it, make it a plan with friends, and agree beforehand who is holding the towels.

The shock of the cold water is real. Your breathing speeds up for a moment, and your skin tingles and then feels numb. That is why a short, calm entry beats a leap, and why the event’s crew is there.

What goes wrong

• Gasping. Cold water makes you gasp. Breathe out slowly, and get out the moment you feel panicky.
• Numb feet. Water shoes help. Come out and rub your feet with a towel.
• Cramps or dizziness. Tell a safety crew straight away, and don’t wait to feel better.
• Shivering won’t stop. Get warm clothes on, get inside and eat something. If shivering carries on or you feel confused, find a medic at the event.
• You change your mind. That’s allowed. Standing on the shore with a hot drink counts.

After the plunge

Stay warm for the next hour. Eat something sweet or warm, and avoid alcohol to warm up, because it doesn’t actually do that. Let your body settle before you drive.

Make it a winter morning

Start New Year’s Day with a plunge, a hot chocolate and a long breakfast. It is a good first line in a new year.