When warmer weather arrives, many of us feel the urge to cool off with a refreshing dip at the nearest pool, pond or beach. A paddle is a pleasant way to beat the heat, it can boost your health too. “The benefits of swimming and dipping in open water are well documented,” says Lee Heard, charity director at Royal Life Saving Society UK. “Not only does being in or on open water allow new adventure, it also has documented benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing.” Research from Next found that 33% of people would look to wild swimming to find relief from muscle aches and pains, while 28% of those facing stress see it as a remedy. “Many of us only swim outdoors during the summer season,” says Ella Foote, founder of The Dip Advisor and author of How to Wild Swim: What to Know Before Taking the Plunge. But just because the sun is out doesn’t mean wild swimming is less dangerous, she says: “Learning to swim at some point in your life isn’t enough and being a fit, healthy person on dry land isn’t the same as being water fit.” There were 226 deaths in the UK from accidental drownings in 2022, according to the RNLI. Heard says: “The basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of the hazards, can increase the enjoyment of open water and significantly reduce the number of incidents that occur each year.” These are the safety considerations to take into account before deciding whether to wade in… Look for lifeguards “There are a great number of open-water sites which are lifeguarded and we would urge people to go to lifeguarded venues if they are looking to take part in open water swimming,” says Heard. Use the RNLI website to find your nearest lifeguarded beach. “Lifeguards are trained professionals who can ensure your safety whilst out on the water and provide assistance should you need it,” Heard continues. “There are also a number of organised events around the country which have lifeguards on duty, so we urge people to attend those events.” Check the conditions If you’re swimming somewhere without a lifeguard, you must be aware of the potential risks.”If swimmers are aware of the potential risks and dangers, then this enables them to do a risk assessment before entering the water,” says Heard. Risks to consider include, he says: “The depth of the water – this changes and is unpredictable; underwater objects and hazards may not be visible; strong currents can rapidly sweep people away; and uneven banks and river beds.” “The weather is more changeable in coastal areas; wind can make a huge difference in the sea and how it behaves,” says Foote, who recommends checking the Tide Times or Surfline websites and following RNLI advice on rip currents. “If you plan a river swim it is worth remembering that water travels faster when a river is shallow, narrow or after spells of heavy rain,” she adds. Know your limits “Can you tread water while keeping your head above the water? Can you float on your back? Could you swim 25 meters without stopping?” asks Foote. “These are the very basic skills for keeping yourself safe in open water and if you are unsure – don’t get in.” While it can be tempting to plunge in on a hot day, never jump or dive without testing the water first. “Enter within your depth and get a feel for the water before swimming,” Foote continues. “Ensure you know where you plan to get out before getting in, sometimes it is easier to get in the water than get out.” And always trust your instincts: “If you’re at the water and something doesn’t feel right, trust that. If the water doesn’t look, or smell right, don’t get in. Outdoor swimming is joyful, but be safe.” Beware of the cold “The shock of cold water can make swimming difficult and increase the difficulty in getting out of the water,” Heard says, even during hot weather when water temperatures are rising. “The water will always be cooler than your core body temperature, so you will experience a gasp and chill on entry,” says Foote. “While it might be warm in the shallows, in deeper water it will be cold at the bottom and that can feel very different when jumping in, which can cause cold water shock and be fatal. “This is also true in coastal areas – the sea is still cool at this time of year.” Don’t trespass Choosing where to swim isn’t just about finding a safe and picturesque spot – you’ve got to make sure you’re not trespassing on private land. “As a rule, avoid reservoirs and quarries – they are often private facilities and are not designed for swimming,” says Foote. “As well as trespassing, many have steep sides and while you might get in okay, getting out can be harder. Some reservoirs have damns, towers and aerators that present a real risk to swimmers.” You should always check whether you’re allowed to swim in a lake in a national parks. The NOWCA network lists safe open water swimming venues. Take the right kit Depending on the weather and water temperature, you may need more than just a bikini or shorts for your swim. “We always recommend going swimming with a friend, wearing appropriate clothing such as a wetsuit, a tow float and a bright-coloured swimming hat,” says Heard, so that you’re more visible if you need help. And don’t forget that while a rush of endorphins can help when you’re in the water, you may feel more chilly once you get out. 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Thanksgiving is a food-focused occasion, with friends and families gathering to gorge on traditional dishes such as roast turkey, stuffing, sweet potato and pumpkin pie. For those who follow vegan or vegetarian diets, it can therefore be quite difficult to navigate the dinner table when the annual harvest holiday comes around. Fortunately, there are numerous vegan and vegetarian alternatives to the traditional animal-based offerings. From lentil loaf to pumpkin pie, here are some of the best vegan and vegetarian recipes for you to try this Thanksgiving: Starters Stuffed mini pumpkins Make the most of the proclivity of pumpkins that have been grown over the autumn with this inventive recipe by Tieghan Gerard, creator of Half Baked Harvest. In her recipe, Gerard stuffs the pumpkins with nutty wild rice and shredded Brussels sprouts, before roasting them in the oven. Gerard recommends baking the pumpkins for around 10 to 20 minutes before serving them hot for all the family to enjoy. Grain-filled soup For a healthy soup with a burst of flavour, try this spicy grain soup recipe by chef Mary Ellen Diaz, from the First Slice soup kitchen. This soup recipe combines ingredients including barley, brown rice, bulgur, garlic, chilies, shiitake mushrooms and black beans for a healthy concoction. Arugula and wild rice salad Kathryne Taylor, creator of popular vegetarian food blog Cookie and Kate, has created a recipe for an arugula and wild rice salad that will provide your Thanksgiving guests with a refreshing and tasty start to their meal. This salad features ingredients including wild rice, almonds, arugula, cranberries, crumbled feta and honey syrup. Mains Butternut squash risotto Butternut squash is a quintessentially autumnal ingredient, perfectly apt for the Thanksgiving table. This Everyday Food recipe shared by Martha Stewart takes 45 minutes to make and combines Arborio rice with garlic cloves, olive oil, fresh thyme, white wine, vegetable broth and butternut squash. Jumbo stuffed pasta shells Angela Liddon, founder of Oh She Glows, specialises in creating inventive and delicious plant-based recipes. This recipe for pasta shells stuffed with an assortment of vegetables and fresh herbs was inspired by Terry Walters, author of the Clean Food cookbook. Liddon uses tofu to create a vegan mixture that tastes like ricotta, which she uses to stuff the pasta shells. Glazed lentil, walnut and apple loaf Another recipe that Liddon has adapted from Walters is the glazed lentil walnut and apple loaf, a dish that will provide Thanksgiving guests with a treat that's both savoury and sweet. Liddon combines ingredients including uncooked green lentils, finely chopped walnuts, garlic cloves, diced sweet onions and raisins among others to create the unconventional loaf. Desserts Vegan pumpkin pie It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a serving of pumpkin pie. Jessica Hylton-Leckie, founder of vegan food blog Jessica in the Kitchen, has devised a vegan pumpkin pie recipe that's sugar-free, gluten-free and made with all natural ingredients. Cranberry apple crisp Make the most of fresh autumn fruits with this innovative vegan and gluten-free cranberry apple crisp recipe by Jessica in the Kitchen. The dessert dish is best served warm with a dollop of dairy-free ice cream added on top. Vegan pumpkin cheesecake swirl brownies These vegan pumpkin cheesecake swirl brownies look mouth-wateringly good and are likely to delight friends and family galore. Hylton-Leckie uses a combination of vegan cream cheese, pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract and an egg yolk substitute for the pumpkin cheesecake swirl portion of the recipe. The vegan brownie is made from vegan chocolate chips, oat flour, sea salt, baking soda, flax eggs, coconut sugar, coconut oil, water and vanilla extract. Read More Vegetarian and vegan alternatives to classic Thanksgiving recipes Does turkey really make you tired? Best time to host Thanksgiving dinner Martha Stewart reveals why she ‘cancelled’ Thanksgiving this year Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving? Full list of US 2023 federal holiday dates From a race to a movie day, Friendsgiving celebrations that aren’t a sit-down dinner

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