How to Warm Up After a Dip in the Sea During Winter

How to Warm Up After a Dip in the Sea During Winter

A winter sea dip can leave you feeling exhilarated, energised and very much alive — but what you do after you get out of the water is just as important as the swim itself. Warming up safely and effectively helps prevent afterdrop, reduces the risk of cold-related issues, and ensures your dip remains a positive experience.

Here’s how to warm up properly after winter sea swimming.

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1. Get Dry Quickly

As soon as you’re out of the water, focus on getting dry. Wet skin and cold air is a fast track to losing body heat.

Step out of wet swimwear as soon as you can

Use a large towel to pat dry rather than rub

Pay attention to hands, feet and your core

Wind chill can dramatically increase heat loss, so if possible, shelter from the wind while you change.

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2. Layer Up – Core First

Once dry, get dressed quickly with warm layers. Start with your core, then work outwards.

Thermal or wool base layers are ideal

Add a fleece or insulated layer on top

Finish with a windproof or waterproof outer layer

Avoid tight clothing straight away — loose layers trap warm air and help you heat up more effectively.

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3. Cover Your Extremities

A significant amount of heat is lost through your head, hands and feet.

Put on a warm hat immediately

Thick socks or dry boots help warm cold feet

Gloves or mittens can make a big difference

Even if the rest of you feels fine, cold extremities can delay overall warming.

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4. Keep Moving (Gently)

Light movement helps your body generate heat naturally.

Walk for 5–10 minutes

Do gentle arm swings or leg movements

Avoid intense exercise immediately after

Shivering is normal, but don’t try to “blast” it away with hard exercise — slow and steady warming is safest.

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5. Have a Warm Drink (Not Alcohol)

A hot drink can feel wonderful after a winter dip, but timing matters.

Choose tea, coffee, hot chocolate or warm squash

Sip slowly rather than gulping

Avoid alcohol — it increases heat loss and masks symptoms of hypothermia

A warm drink supports comfort, but your body warms primarily from movement and insulation, not liquids alone.

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6. Don’t Rush a Hot Shower

It’s tempting to jump straight into a hot shower, but this can be risky if you’re very cold.

Allow your body temperature to rise gradually first

Start with warm (not hot) water

Increase the temperature slowly

This helps prevent dizziness and supports safe circulation recovery.

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7. Watch for Afterdrop

Afterdrop is a continued fall in core body temperature after leaving cold water. It’s why post-swim care is so important.

Be alert for:

Persistent or violent shivering

Slurred speech

Clumsiness or confusion

Extreme fatigue

If symptoms don’t improve, seek medical help.

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8. Plan Before You Swim

The best warm-up strategy starts before you enter the water.

Lay out clothes in the order you’ll put them on

Bring extra layers than you think you’ll need

Pack a hot drink in a flask

Agree a regroup point if swimming with others

Preparation turns a cold exit into a smooth, comfortable recovery.

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Final Thoughts

Winter sea swimming is about balance — enjoying the cold while respecting its power. Warming up properly keeps you safe, comfortable and ready for your next dip.

Take your time, look after each other, and remember: the swim doesn’t end when you leave the water — it ends when you’re warm again.

🌊❄️

©Solent Swim School 2025