‘Your body thinks it will die, but it won’t’: Hamilton’s winter swimmers making a splash in Lake Ontario

The allure of winter swimming might be easier to experience than explain.

Soren Michelsen talks about the rush of endorphins" and intense prickling feeling" that comes with immersing himself in a Lake Ontario just half-a-degree above freezing in February.

Then he pauses to acknowledge a skeptical silence. Your body thinks it will die, but it won't," he offered reassuringly.

Charles Steinhoff's voice drips with inexplicable satisfaction as he describes emerging from the water at Confederation Park and into the loving embrace of -17 degree C wind chill. Your whole body feels like it's on fire," he said happily.

If you find the words unbelievable, take a look at the teeth-chattering photos and videos posted online by Hamilton's growing group of winter swimmers."

We're not talking about the one-and-done New Year's Day polar dip, or surfers wearing protective neoprene wetsuits.

No, Hamilton's cold-water swimmers cavort among lake ice cubes in regular bathing suits - and to be fair, usually gloves and hats - and swim into the wintery swells for five to 15 minutes at a time. Usually, you'll see them grinning.

Fans of a prolonged winter dip argue the health benefits outweigh the extremity-numbing pain.

There is some research to back up the belief - although both local swimmers and health experts agree you need to take safety precautions to avoid dangerous or even fatal mistakes. More on that later.

A December 2020 review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found swimming in water colder than 5 degrees C appears to bring health benefits" like depression relief and lower blood pressure for experienced, generally healthy individuals.

But there is also a risk of death" for those unfamiliar with the dangers - or their own previously unknown heart conditions. Think heart attacks, panic drownings or hypothermia, a dangerously low body temperature.

If you're going to do it, you have to know the risks," said Dave Thompson, a Hamilton paramedic superintendent with lifeguard training in open-water safety. And it's definitely not something to experiment with alone."

Michelsen and Steinhoff emphatically agree. Both rookies reached out last year for safety and equipment advice from established cold-water swimming groups in the GTA.

They quickly learned that year-round swimming - a common hobby in northern European countries - is growing in popularity in Canada, especially during the pandemic.

There are now 33 members on a Hamilton winter swimming Facebook group run by Michelsen and more than 100 on a boundary-free group run by Steinhoff. Membership in the Canadian Cold Water Swimming group has spiked past 400.

But ... why?

Both Michelsen and Steinhoff argue an ice-cold dip does wonders for mental health. The name of the latter's Facebook group is actually Swimming 4 Sanity."

Daily lake dips were a lifeline for Steinhoff during a stressful" pandemic summer than included an anxiety-inducing car accident. A friend challenged him last fall to keep swimming until Christmas - and he never stopped.

It just gives you this feeling of euphoria," said the Hamilton man, who tries to swim daily, rain, shine or snow. It's a way to get out and enjoy life despite the pandemic."

Similarly, Michelsen and his wife were reluctant to stop swimming at their Lake Erie cottage in the fall.

So they decided to keep up with regular morning wake-up" swims for as long as the water is still liquid." (On Saturday, Michelsen pushed the envelope, immersing himself in icy slush that looked more solid than liquid.)

No doubt it seems surprising to some people," he said with a laugh. But for us the benefits are clear. You feel very much in the moment, experiencing your body and sensations in a whole new way."

Does he consider it safe? Yes, said Michelsen - as long as you take precautions and don't push yourself.

You have to listen to your body," he said. When your body tells you it's time to get out, whether that's after 10 minutes or two minutes, you get out."

Cold-water swimming safety

If you must try out a winter dip in Lake Ontario, paramedic Dave Thompson has this cautionary advice:

Never swim alone: go with a buddy, or in a group so that you have help in an emergency.

Consider your health: A sudden plunge into ice-cold water can spur a heart attack for someone with a cardiac condition. Cold-water shock can also cause an involuntary gasp reflex that can result in swallowed water. Hypothermia can come on faster than you realize, in or out of the water.

Do your research and ask for advice: experienced swimmers can help you find safe swimming spots and offer tips on protective gear like flotation devices.

Think about what you wear: many traditional" cold water swimmers do not wear wetsuits - but most protect their fingers with insulated gloves and wear hats to cut heat loss. Regardless, have warm clothes at the ready for when you emerge from the water.

Matthew Van Dongen is a Hamilton-based reporter covering transportation for The Spectator. Reach him via email: mvandongen@thespec.com