Cold Water Facilitator Course

Cold water therapy is an unregulated industry. Anyone can call themselves an instructor, and if you're trying to work out who to learn from, that's a real problem. It's the main reason I chose Kay Lou Academy: the qualification is linked to the STA, which gives it a standing that most cold water courses simply don't have. The other reason was the in-person training, and it's what makes the course. You cannot learn to take other people into cold water from a screen. The online modules cover the theory properly, but the in-person day is where it becomes real. The morning is basic life support with Manchester First Aid, CPR, choking, defibrillator use, managing an unconscious casualty, with a certificate to follow. Not a token add-on: proper hands-on training. The afternoon is cold water facilitation in small groups, and you lead your own session with support, then give and receive feedback. Doing it, not watching it. Kay Lou is an excellent teacher. She's supportive and calm, but she doesn't do it for you. You take the lead, which is exactly what you need if you're going to be responsible for other people in the water. I'm now planning to run my own sessions, and I feel properly equipped to do it safely. If you're comparing cold water facilitator courses, look at what the qualification is linked to and whether you actually get in the water with a trainer. This one is worth it.

I've taken so many courses and certifications (both online and offline) and this was easily one of the best I've taken. The online materials were in-depth but easy to follow. There wasn't anything I needed that wasn't covered in the lessons. Kay's videos were engaging and fun to watch too which helped. The in-person element of the course was fantastic, getting to practice what I'd learnt online was so valuable and I met some incredible people too. Thank you so much!

Highly recommend this wonderful course for all cold water enthusiasts. It’s loaded with all the information needed to learn how to safely practise cold water therapy facilitation and it’s designed and delivered in such a wonderful way. Easy to follow - bite sized modules that you do at your own pace and extremely neuro-affirming. The in-person day was super valuable too and you receive 5 star treatment. Kay Lou is a wonderful leader who has a clear passion for guiding you through this course and providing all the insight and support you need. I loved every minute of attending this course and if you’re thinking about it for yourself I know you will not be disappointed. It’s such a valuable investment, you get so much for the price and I am so grateful that I literally took the plunge and booked on. Thank you Kay Lou for creating and guiding me through this amazing course and good luck to all who take the plunge for themselves!

I had already completed a cold water therapy practitioner 'diploma' prior to finding out about the Kay Lou Academy Cold Water Facilitator course. Once completed I knew it just wasn't enough, that something was missing. Then I met Kay. I just knew immediately that this was the missing piece in my cold water facilitator journey. The course from start to finish was excellently put together. In terms of the quality of the recordings, the formatting, the accompanying text information, the resources. You could tell that this was put together with passion, love and time. The information in the course was so thoroughly detailed, with no stones left unturned. It was well paced and structured methodically, with each section smoothly transitioning on from the previous. The in-person immersive training day was absolutely brilliant. The whole day had been thought about, ensuring it went super smoothly. It was great to see in person just how passionate Kay Lou is about the cold water space and a big thing, for me, is how she is not trying to gate-keep anything. She wants everyone to succeed and doesn't keep any "secrets". Every question we asked she answered, and it's clear she has spent time and passion learning everything she can about the cold water space so she can pass this knowledge on. I believe that Kay Lou came into my life exactly when she was meant to and this course is going to allow me to help others, just as she helped me. If you want to learn more about cold water exposure or you are interested in becoming a cold water facilitator, I would HIGHLY recommend the Kay Lou Academy Cold Water Facilitator Course. I promise you will not regret it. It has everything you need to start or continue your journey with cold water exposure, and to be taught my someone who has so clearly poured their heart and soul into the course, is an honour.

The course is very informative and easy to follow. It is is broken down in to easily digestible half hour modules so can be done on the commute. The in person day puts all the theory into practical application alongside others on the course. This course equips you with all the knowledge and skills if you are planning on leading people into the cold water space or want to ensure that you have an informed and educated individual practice.

This course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the in’s and out’s of cold water, including breath work but most importantly, how to facilitate safely. My husband stumbled upon Kay’s course online and it caught our eye as it seemed so comprehensive and actually had a practical day, which many others surprisingly don’t offer. My husband took the course and came home raving so I naturally enrolloed too and had the best day with the loveliest bunch of awesome ladies. I learnt so much and I honestly can’t put into words how brilliantly this course was put together. Kay made learning so easy and I can’t wait to get started and put it all into practice. Highly recommend! A million thanks ✌🏻😘

From signing up to this course, iv been very impressed. The course material is high quality, easy to access and versatile. Kay was attentive and responsive to any queries and questions. The in person day was perfect, lovely setting, best first aid training iv ever done and the passion from Kay on cold water has left me not only qualified but informed and enthusiastic about my future as a facilitator.

I loved the hybrid learning on this course. I was able to take my time and fit in the (very thorough) online training as it suited me, and then a wonderful in person immersion day where I could put all I have learnt before into action! The basic life support training was a wonderful bonus, and cemented everything that had previously been taught on the absolute necessity for cold dipping to be safe, and to be prepared for any eventuality. So much thought, care and consideration has been put into every aspect of this course, I’m so pleased to have taken part it, and now I feel inspired and confident to lead people into the cold water ❄️😊

I’ve been cold water swimming for 4 years and open water swimming for 2; I thought I knew what I needed to do for my own personal satisfaction. Since working at an open water lake it has become increasingly more important for me to delve deeper in to the science and understanding behind what I have observed through my own experience and that of others. This course was beyond perfect for this purpose. Kay Lou provides detailed videos covering everything you’ll need to know, as well as transcriptions for ease of digestion should it be needed. I totally recommend this course to all swimmers, no matter their reason to learn more. Consider me one of your billions, Kay Lou!

A very thorough and informative online course, covering every angle of cold water exposure you could imagine!

I got to meet some really inspiring people on this course, it has shown me the direction I can take my practice in. Kay was amazing, the detail and energy she has put into this course and her willingness to help you succeed is very apparent. I thought I ready knew a lot about this practice, years of reading and being a practitioner but I learnt so much more from Kay. Highly recommend to anyone in this space. Kay’s attention to legitimising and standardising this practice is paramount for the evolution of this practice to reach a wider cohort. Thank you Kay, I know this course will be pivotal in my own journey with my business and the clients I work with.

The content and material in the Kay Lou Academy Cold Water Facilitator Course has been thoughtfully and comprehensively created. The visual and audio content appeals to different learning styles and the modules are broken down into easily digestible topics. Kay Lou's enthusiasm and positivity is infectious and her knowledge shines through. The safety aspect of the course is very reassuring and even though I have facilitated cold water sessions over a period of years, I learnt a lot about creating not just physical safety but psychological safety. The breathwork was a bonus and I also enjoyed the historical aspects of cold water immersion. A great course that I would thoroughly recommend to anyone entering the cold water space. Thank you Kay Lou.