Kirsty Hogben - Sea Swim Confidence Coach

Cold water shock can happen to anyone - even strong swimmers.

I recently went on Good Morning Britain to demonstrate the “float to live” technique and talk about what actually happens when your body hits cold water.

Most of the risk comes in the first moments: the involuntary gasp, the spike in breathing, and the shock your nervous system feels when warm skin meets cold water.

In this blog I break down:
• Why cold water shock happens
• The gasp reflex explained simply
• Why spring is often the most risky time
• How to prevent it with safe entry and breath control
• The “Float to Live” technique
• Cold water safety tips for swimming in Kent

If you swim in the sea, wild swim, or are building confidence in cold water - this is essential knowledge.

Read the full guide below 👇

https://www.kirstyhogben.com/news/cold-water-shock-how-to-prevent-it-kent-open-water-safety-guide

Cold Water Shock Explained: Prevention, Gasp Reflex & Safe Swimming in Kent | Sea Safety Guide — Kirsty Hogben Learn how to prevent cold water shock with expert guidance from Kent-based open water swim coach Kirsty Hogben, featured on Good Morning Britain. Understand the gasp reflex, why it happens in spring, and how safe entry, breath control, and the “Float to Live” technique can keep you safe in cold ...

This week I was featured in The Observer talking about one of the biggest issues in our seas right now - sewage in UK waters.

It’s something many swimmers are already noticing, and it raises important questions about safety, access, and what we’re actually swimming in.

For me, sea swimming has always been about connection, confidence, and healing - but we also need honesty about what’s happening in our waters so people can make informed choices.

Grateful to be part of this conversation and to keep speaking up for safer, more transparent seas 🌊

Read the full article here 👇

Something stinks: Water firms dump sewage into rivers and... Swimmers and beachgoers feel ‘powerless’ in the face of increasing filthy overflows, in some coastal areas already topping the whole of 2025

Join us for the Blue Moon gathering this Sunday at Mermaid Beach from 7:30pm 🌕🌊

Two full moons in one month only happens every few years, and the next one won’t be until 2028!

Where/when:

🏝️ Mermaid Beach (west side, the beach in front of Mermaid Café) at 7:30pm. We’ll be down on the beach closer to the sea.

What:

🔥 A simple beach fire under the full moon
✨ A friendly, welcoming community for over 6 years

Coming on your own? You’ll be absolutely fine - just come say hi, people are lovely 💛

🏊‍♀️ Some people may choose to swim, but this is not a supervised or coached session. Please only enter the water if you feel confident in open water and take full responsibility for your own safety.

What to bring:
🪵 Wood for the fire (if you can)
🥤 Snacks / drinks / music / anything to share
Or just yourself

Kids welcome
Always free to attend.

Come connect with the sea, the moon, and each other 🌕🌊🔥
Feel free to share this with your friends!

Any questions, message me or check Folkestone Sea Swimmers FB page!

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Disclaimer:
This is a free, informal community meet-up and not an organised or supervised event. By attending, you are responsible for your own safety and wellbeing. No instruction, lifeguarding, or duty of care is provided. Any activities (including swimming or use of fires) are undertaken at your own risk. Please be mindful of tides, weather, and sea conditions.
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Thank you to everyone who came down to support the Sandgate bathing water designation 🌊

What a lovely turnout and such a great morning. thanks to everyone who came along, and also to those cheering us on who couldn’t make it this time 💙

What a community.

Thank you so much .uk for coming down and capturing the amazing shot 📸

The sea brings good people together.