Funny! I thought the same as you until I got brave enough to try it.

I'm a cold-water swimmer, and you've missed the main benefit. Cold-water immersion increases levels of dopamine, serotonin, and beta-endorphins. It gives you the same high as cocaine without the downside, so it is basically free drugs! 🤣

It helps depression and anxiety and boosts the immune system. Physiological effects have been shown to last a year.

Having said all that, I don't like showers (hot or cold), so it is just wild swimming for me.