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Original poster

To NOT include 9 year old DD in Boxing Day swim?

57 replies

TaylorSwiftsWeddingPlanner · 23/12/2025 14:56

Our family and another will be heading to the beach about 30 mins away for a walk and a quick dip. It’ll be seconds in and out.
DD wants to join in the fun. Her similar aged friends won’t do it but DD is very gung ho.

For context: There’s not an ounce of meat on her, she’s tiny. No cough or cold. We do own a wet suit for her which she can use. Weather here will be 0 - 3 degrees on Friday.

I don’t think she should. Grown ups yes, and she can have fun on the beach with her mates. She’s tiny and at best will wine about the cold afterwards, and worst - well.

DH thinks I am being the fun police and lighten up.

I don’t know either way.

YABU - of course she can, YOLO!
YANBU - hypothermia in a 9 year old on Boxing Day is a rational fear.

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 23/12/2025 15:07

Mine is a few years older than yours but just did a cold water swim with her friends. Her mate has been doing it since 7 years old. In much colder water than the UK.

Make sure you have the means to warm her up after and she’ll be great!

NuffSaidSam · 23/12/2025 15:06

If she really wants to I'd try and make it happen (in the wetsuit) if you've got the right stuff to warm her up afterwards. I think it's always best, where possible, to say Yes to things like this. It really nurtures a spirit of adventure and optimism, a willingness to try things and hope for the best.

If you really genuinely believe it to be dangerous/you don't have the necessary dry robes etc to dry her properly afterwards, then no.

SAH07 · 23/12/2025 15:05

Im a cold water swimmer, i wouldn't let a child have a dip that time of year. Where i dip the temperature is 7°c, children lose heat much quicker than adults and not worth the risk

arcticpandas · 23/12/2025 15:04

Let her. But since dh is the one insisting he will be the one responsible to get her warm immediately afterwards.

Mulledjuice · 23/12/2025 15:04

What sort of experience does she have of cold water swimming? What experience do you and DH have?

Tiredofwhataboutery · 23/12/2025 15:02

I’d probably say no if going to be walking back. I’ll let my kids ( youngest 10) but I’ll drive in a camper van so easy to get in the warm, properly dried, clothes back on and a hot chocolate.

HollyhockDays · 23/12/2025 15:00

Make her wear the wetsuit and then let her try and if she can get in fair enough. Bring the usual stuff you will need to warm her up afterwards or get her home to hot shower / bath asap.