NF01 November/December 2023

54 Cleveland Pools
A COOL HEAD
Helen Webster is an open-water
swimming coach and runs regular coldwater
workshops in the region. Here are
her top tips for staying safe.
1
“Gradually immerse yourself, and only
start swimming once you are calm and
your breathing is under control.”
2
“Exit the water while you still feel good;
shivering or loss of motor function are
signs you’ve been in too long.”
Nat Johnson lives on a boat, and cruises
back and forth between Devizes and Bath.
And when she’s not navigating water or
sleeping on it, she likes to be in it. Moored
on the Kennet and Avon Canal, a few
metres’ walk from Cleveland Pools, she’s
making them an exception to her blanket
ban on swimming pools.
“I don’t do lane swimming or go to
swimming pools, so this is the closest I’d
get to that. It feels outdoorsy enough. I feel
the same about indoor pools as I do about
supermarkets – they make me feel cooped
up. It’s different here, and it’s clean! Last
year, I got into cold-water dipping. I’d go for
a swim in the river, but wouldn’t want to put
my head in the water. This year, I’ve started
learning to swim properly, doing it for
exercise and fitness as well, so coming here,
or to Vobster Quay or Cromhall Quarry, is
somewhere I can do more of that.”
3
“Neoprene gloves, boots and caps can
make things much more comfortable.
Put a wetsuit on, too, if you prefer.”
4
“Enjoy being in nature, share the experience
with friends, and never swim alone.”
5
“Get dried and dressed quickly. Due to
the ‘afterdrop’, we feel chilliest around ten
minutes after swimming. So no faffing!”
6
“Eat cake after your swim. Always.”
Find Helen on Instagram at
@helenwebster_swimcoaching and
helenwebsterswimcoaching.com
NF01