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24 | Gazette Life | March 2026Fancy a dip?In northern Europe, cold water swimming is an increasingly popular pastime. The tradition of Christmas or New Year dips is stronger than ever, and there are several groups who regularly take to chilly waters. The Bluetits, a women%u2019s swimming group founded in Wales, now has over 100,000 members worldwide. Taking a winter dip in the British Isles, where winter sea temperatures are usually below 10 degrees Celsius, is an intensely cold experience, but many insist that, in addition to the physical exercise involved, it brings benefits for mental health, and provides a post-swim %u201chigh%u201d that can last for much of the day. But if you fancy cold water swimming on Lanzarote, you%u2019ll be disappointed. Even in March, when sea temperatures are at their coolest, they rarely fall below 17 degrees Celsius %u2013 a temperature which is classified as %u201csummer swimming%u201d by the UK%u2019s Outdoor Swimming Association. At its coldest, Lanzarote%u2019s sea is still warmer than most UK waters are at the height of summer and never falls below the minimum temperature recommended by triathlon organisations. It's still too cold for many locals %u2013 On Lanzarote, there is a tradition of not taking the first dip until the San Juan celebrations in June, but holidaymakers have been merrily plunging into the sea all year round for decades.In Lanzarote%u2019s winter and spring months, taking the plunge can definitely be more bracing than in late summer or autumn, but the risks of cold-water shock %u2013 a gasp reflex that can cause sudden inhalation of water %u2013 are low, and are generally associated with much colder water.Most swimmers will find that once they%u2019re in, they get used to the water pretty quickly and can comfortably spend 20 minutes or half an hour in the sea, especially if they%u2019re swimming Cold water swimming is impossible on Lanzarote, but getting into the sea can still bring health benefits.GAZETTE | HEALTHOn Lanzarote, there are plenty of beaches where it is perfectly safe to bathe all year round, but we%u2019d make the following recommendations:%u2022 Stick to flagged beaches and do not go in when the red flag is flying.%u2022 Swim with a companion if possible.%u2022 Leave the water on sand, rather than rocks, if there are waves.%u2022 Watch out for currents that may occur at the mouths of lagoons. %u2022 Wear a bright swim cap or take a buoy if swimming in open water or near boats or windsurfers. %u2022 Don%u2019t even think about swimming off the north coast of the island.vigorously. A wetsuit top can also help keep the chill out.The best part, of course, is emerging from the waves to a fluffy towel or robe, enjoying a hot drink and revelling in an invigorated boost of energy that can last for hours.Cold water swimming is increasingly popular, but you%u2019ll never need a woolly hat on Lanzarote.