[PK2]

Pete Roberts, on 21 January 2013 - 17:32, said:

If no-one mines if I give a an personal update.

I've been wondering how you've been. Hope 2013 brings you some better news .

[Pete Roberts]

Although the thread seems unused, I hope to be able to swim in the Spring and resume my water temp. reports. Meanwhile should anyone else be able to measure open water temps. please free to post reports.

Pete

[PK2]

I might take it up in the spring. Likely would be inshore water rather than inland though. Would that be worthwhile? I guess it's likely to vary more due to tide, currents etc.

Remind me what depth you measure at and any suggestions for a decent thermometer

[Bluebreezer54]

Good to see you posting again Pete. Im sorry to hear of your health problems, and wish you all the best for 2013 and beyond. BB54

[Pete Roberts]

PK2, on 20 February 2013 - 12:05, said:

I might take it up in the spring. Likely would be inshore water rather than inland though. Would that be worthwhile? I guess it's likely to vary more due to tide, currents etc.

Remind me what depth you measure at and any suggestions for a decent thermometer

Bear in mind that our seas are coldest around late Feb and early March, although the shallow waters of Liverpool and Cardigan Bays do warm fairly quickly. Inland, lowland lakes (ie Hatchmere, Delamere) and rivers warm pretty quickly and as soon the water temp reaches 15C it's warm enough for most non-cold acclimatised swimmers.

Water temps should be taken at 1m depth, although this might be difficult in the sea. I use a spirit swimming pool thermo with a "bucket" to retain a sample of water in order to read the temp without the sample's temp being changed. Digital thermos are no good in a watery environment, especially salt water. No matter how well sealed, water will eventually find its way inside.

Bluebreezer54, on 20 February 2013 - 15:53, said:

Good to see you posting again Pete. Im sorry to hear of your health problems, and wish you all the best for 2013 and beyond. BB54

Thanks for the felicitations - I hope to be fit enough in a few weeks' time

Pete

[PK2]

Pete Roberts, on 20 February 2013 - 18:11, said:

Bear in mind that our seas are coldest around late Feb and early March, although the shallow waters of Liverpool and Cardigan Bays do warm fairly quickly. Inland, lowland lakes (ie Hatchmere, Delamere) and rivers warm pretty quickly and as soon the water temp reaches 15C it's warm enough for most non-cold acclimatised swimmers.

Water temps should be taken at 1m depth, although this might be difficult in the sea. I use a spirit swimming pool thermo with a "bucket" to retain a sample of water in order to read the temp without the sample's temp being changed. Digital thermos are no good in a watery environment, especially salt water. No matter how well sealed, water will eventually find its way inside.

Thanks for the felicitations - I hope to be fit enough in a few weeks' time

Pete

Thanks Pete. I can't think of any inland, lowland waters much closer than those you mention. So it's inland, upland or inshore for now. I can report that the sea didn't feel too unpleasant for a "paddle" (ie launching a boat) last weekend but then I didn't go deep for long.

Hoping 2013 is a better year for you

[Ed.]

ATB from me too Pete, good to have you posting again not entirely sure if water temps are going to be rising in a hurry and considering the latest look at the charts.Give it a few more weeks and then who knows

[Pete Roberts]

Ed., on 20 February 2013 - 22:30, said:

ATB from me too Pete, good to have you posting again not entirely sure if water temps are going to be rising in a hurry and considering the latest look at the charts.Give it a few more weeks and then who knows

Fortunately, if things go well I hope to be back in the water in a week or two's time, although I will be completely unfit and have to spend some time in warm, chlorinated bathwater. Meanwhile my fear that outdoor water would have been warming looks unfounded given the present weather!! I've got to test my cold response to make sure it's still working as it should.

Pete

[Pete Roberts]

River Weaver, Frodsham, Cheshire 30-4-13: 14.5C

I did a double take - I was expecting 8-9C But no, the water temp was as reported, and mine is a proper spirit swimming pool thermo, not a fault-prone digital thingy. I only had a dip rather than a swim, but my cold-tolerance seems to be OK, although 14.5C isn't cold by any means. I have to report to the surgery tomorrow, confirming that I had no problems.

Flow was sluggish, and the water clear. Level was normal.

Pete

[Pete Roberts]

River Weaver, Frodsham, Cheshire, 7th May '13: 17C

Went in with no more than a swim-cap and Speedos. Hopefully my neoprene gloves, boots and helmet can be put away until autumn. A fairly strong current, water clarity very good.

Pete

[Pete Roberts]

Hatchmere, Delamere Forest, Cheshire: 13.5C

Again, I was expecting a much lower water temp. after the recent torrential, icy rain.

Pete