Owlkids

Ice Outside Your Veins EVENT: Ice Swimming Nothing is more refreshing than a nice dip in the pool, right? Except, of course, when it's freezing outside, there's snow everywhere, and the "pool" in question is water that has ice floating in it. Welcome to ice swimming! You may have heard of a polar bear plunge, when people take a quick leap into icy water on New Year's Day. This is something totally different. Racers must swim at least 1.6 km (1 mi.) in water that is less than 5°C (41°F). And all without wetsuits or special gear! That doesn't just sound dangerous—it actually is. That's why the International Ice Swimming Association has very strict rules for how races can be held and what experts (such as doctors) need to be on hand. It's also why only trained swimmers should try this sport. WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU IN COLD WATER? The human body goes through stages when exposed to cold water (less than 10°C, or 50°F). Ice swimmers experience the stages below just like everyone else. But they are trained on how to stay safe in cold water. 1. Cold Shock Response This happens almost immediately upon entering the water. You gasp at the shock of the cold and begin hyperventilating. 2. Cold Incapacitation After cold shock, you can actually become calm and swim normally— this is when a racer finishes the swim. But within 5 to 15 minutes, the cold temperature slowly starts to affect your outer nerves and blood vessels. You start to lose strength in your limbs, and eventually you'll be unable to swim at all. 3. Hypothermia This occurs when your body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F), which is dangerously low. (Normal body temperature is 37°C, or 98.6°F.) Even in ice water, hypothermia can take up to 30 minutes or longer to set in. These sports should be left to professionals, but there are many other fun ways to get active this winter! Send your sporty winter pics to: owl@owlkids.com owlkids.com 15 An ice swimmer dives into the cold waters of the Songhua River in Harbin, China.

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