October Cold Water Challenge
A dip a day in October, your way, for 7 days.
5th – 11th October 2026.
Join the UK Sepsis Trust’s Cold Water Challenge this October and help us save lives from sepsis.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned dipper, this challenge is for everyone. All you need to do is complete 7 days of icy dips!
Choose an outdoor dip, cold water swim, ice bath challenge, or a cold shower at home, and help us raise vital funds and awareness of sepsis while supporting people and families who need us most.
How to take part in the Cold Water Challenge
1. Sign up and choose your challenge
When: 5th – 11th October
Choose the challenge that works best for you, whether that’s a cold water dip, swim, or an ice bath challenge.
Challenge ideas:
- Cold water dip or swim
- Cold shower
- Ice bath
You can complete the challenge in any setting that suits you:
- The sea or a lake
- Outdoor lidos, tidal pools, or even paddling pools
- Ice baths or cold showers at home
After you sign up, we’ll send you a safety guide on how to prepare. If you’re pregnant, have a medical condition, or aren’t sure whether cold water dipping is right for you, it’s always a good idea to speak with your GP or a health professional before taking part.
2. Set up your fundraising page
Set up your fundraising page through JustGiving using the link provided when you sign up. Then share it with family, friends, and colleagues to get sponsored.
3. Share your journey
Join our community on Facebook and share your progress throughout the challenge.
Post your photos, celebrate your fundraising milestones, and inspire others to take part!
4. Complete your challenge
Complete your Cold Water Challenge and take a moment to celebrate what you’ve achieved.
Every dip, swim, shower, or ice bath helps raise vital funds and awareness for sepsis. Don’t forget to share your photos with us!
Are you ready to take the plunge?
What you’ll receive when you sign up
When you sign up for your Cold Water Dip Challenge, we’ll make sure you have everything you need to help get your fundraising started, including:
- A pack of sepsis awareness resources to help you spread the word.
- Digital resources to help you promote your challenge.
- A cosy beanie once you raise £15 on your fundraising page!
FAQs
What is a cold water challenge?
A cold water dip or swim challenge involves briefly immersing your body in water that is colder than 15°C. While it can be a shock at first, many people find it refreshing, rewarding, and a great way to raise money for charity!
How long should a cold water dip last?
A safe cold water dip usually lasts between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. The ideal length of time depends on how cold the water is. When you sign up, we’ll send you a health and safety checklist to help you prepare.
What should I wear for a cold water dip?
You can wear any swimsuit or wetsuit, but we recommend adding warm accessories, such as a woolly hat. What you wear afterwards is even more important, so make sure you have warm, dry layers and a hot drink waiting for you!
Is there a minimum fundraising target?
There’s no minimum fundraising target. Every pound you raise truly helps people affected by sepsis. We’ll be here to support you with tips on how to make the biggest impact possible!
What happens if I can’t finish my chosen challenge?
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. What matters most is that you’ve taken part and helped to raise awareness of sepsis.
How does my fundraising help the UK Sepsis Trust?
Every donation allows us to continue providing vital support to people affected by sepsis, a life-threatening emergency affecting around 245,000 people in the UK each year and linked to more than 48,000 deaths annually. You can learn more about where your money goes here.