Before: Arrive wrapped up really warm. The warmer you are the longer it takes to cool down in the cold water. So, stay warm right up until the last moment. Bring extra clothes for afterwards; a hat, warm socks, gloves and even a hot water bottle, with an extra towel to stand on while getting dressed. A hot drink in a flask is helpful and always go in sober.

During: Get in as carefully and quickly as you can. Once you are in, don’t stop around for too long. This is when your body core temperature drops very rapidly. When the body gets too cold blood shunts to the core, weakening arms and legs, which then lose strength and power.

After: Get moving quickly afterwards. Put your hat on while you are getting dressed. Put your main towel around you and dry your feet quickly and put socks on. Then get your wet clothes off and dry layers on as swiftly as you can. Start sipping your hot drink and have something to eat. Have fun and enjoy the sea, safely.