Cold water swimming has soared in popularity in recent years, and is credited with multiple benefits, from general fitness to management of menopause symptoms such as anxiety and hot flushes, and mental health, possibly due to the rush of feel-good endorphins.

But it can also be a risky endeavour, with cold temperatures leading to hypothermia — so being prepared and having the right kit is essential.

Here, Shaun Challis, head coach at SwimTrek, the official training partner for charity Level Water’s open-water events, shares the best kit to help get you started.

COSY COAT

Dryrobe, from £145, dryrobe.com

Cold water swimming generally means open water, so there are no changing rooms.

A dry robe [an oversized, fleece lined waterproof parka] solves that problem as you can turn up in your swimwear underneath the warm coat, and more importantly when you get out of the water, you can get the dry robe straight on to warm up as you change and avoid the ‘afterdrop’. This is the danger zone around ten or 15 minutes after you get out of cold water when your core body temperature continues to fall.

Dryrobe is the market leader as it’s been around the longest. And, unlike some slightly cheaper alternatives, you can be sure it is fully waterproof, windproof and very warm.

SAFETY FLOAT

Adventure tow float, £30, wild-moose.co.uk

A tow float is a buoyant inflatable balloon which attaches to your waist with a strap and rope and floats behind you as you swim. It has three key uses.

First, visibility: they’re brightly coloured so you can easily be seen from the shore, by fellow swimmers as well as any other boats or craft that might be around.

Second, if you need a rest you can hug it to your chest, float on your back and take a breather.

Third, this one has a waterproof compartment at least big enough to hold your keys, wallet and phone so you don’t have to leave them behind as you swim.

SWIM-SPECIFIC WETSUIT, SOCKS AND GLOVES

Zone3 Women’s Agile Wetsuit, £199, zone3.com

A neoprene wetsuit traps a layer of water between your skin and the wetsuit. Your body warms that water and it, in turn, keeps you warm.

Wetsuits are particularly important for cold water swimming as opposed to just cold water immersion — if you’re intending to swim rather than just dip, you will be in the water much longer.

This is where neoprene socks and gloves or mitts may come in handy, too, as our extremities become much colder much faster than the rest of our bodies.

But there are two mistakes people often make: one is not buying a swim-specific suit, the other is buying it online.

Many of the wetsuits out there are for other sports, such as surfing, and will not have the flexibility you need to swim efficiently. So ensure yours is made for swimmers and, if at all possible, try it on in person as a good fit is essential.

If you do buy online, see if you can ask the company to advise by giving them details of your measurements over the phone or email.

The Agile swimsuit is built for entry-level open water swimmers with high-stretch shoulder panels, and the Zone3 website offers a ‘perfect fit guarantee’ with free exchanges and returns.

WATERPROOF BAG

Tide 30l recycled dry bag, £34.95, passenger-clothing.com

A waterproof dry bag with a roll top and clip means you can transport your belongings without them getting wet. Often you can also attach the bag to your tow float and take it with you, which is great if you are swimming to a different location rather than taking a circular route.

If you are leaving the bag on the beach or lakeside and it starts to rain, you can be confident when you return your belongings and change of clothes won’t be soaking!

KEEP-WARM HAT

Roam Beanie, £19.95, red-equipment.co.uk

The warmer you can be before you go into cold water, the longer you’re going to last in it, and the more comfortable the experience will be.

Those who don’t put their heads under water while swimming will keep a beanie on throughout. Many will use a swim cap as well and certainly it’s a good idea to put on a warm hat after you’ve got out of the water.

This stretch beanie has a fleece inner lining for additional protection from the elements.