Turn Your Passion for Cold Water Into a Qualified Career
Become a qualified and reputable Cold Water Facilitator with the UK's leading Cold Water Facilitator Course. Online learning, in-person training, and two qualifications with Kay Lou Academy.
Hear what our students have to say
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. K...
Read MoreI'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!
Read LessHighly 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 fol...
Read MoreHighly 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!
Read LessI 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...
Read MoreI 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.
Read LessThe 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. ...
Read MoreThe 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.
Read LessThis 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 compreh...
Read MoreThis 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 ✌🏻😘
Read LessFrom 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...
Read MoreFrom 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.
Read LessI 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...
Read MoreI 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 ❄️😊
Read LessAmazing in depth no stone unturned course . Really enjoyed it learnt so much . Credit to Kaylou for putting this together. It’s been absolutely worth it . Highly recommend. Nick
Amazing in depth no stone unturned course . Really enjoyed it learnt so much . Credit to Kaylou for putting this together. It’s been absolutely worth it . Highly recommend. Nick
Read LessYou don't need to have it all figured out. You just need to feel the pull.
Yoga teachers, PTs & wellness coaches looking to add a certified cold water offering to your existing services.
Breathwork coaches & holistic therapists looking for a complimentary service to offer clients.
Cold water enthusiasts and informal dippers wanting to deepen or share their knowledge.
Retreat hosts & spa therapists looking to broaden their current wellness offerings.
The mental health & recovery professional working with clients on anxiety, stress, trauma, burnout or addiction..
The outdoor swimming & wild water guide already leading people into open water but lacking confidence.
The sports coach or performance trainer looking to support their clients with cold water recovery.
The sauna & contrast therapy guide ready to add cold water as part of a full contrast therapy experience.
Career changers. New to the wellness space entirely? This is the complete framework to start from scratch.
Stand out as a professional in a crowded wellness space.
Here's what you will learn
Introduction
FREE PREVIEWLet Me Show You Around!
Getting To Know You
First: Book Your Immersive Training Day
Lesson 1: Overview of Cold Water Therapy
Lesson 2: Ice Baths, Cold Showers, Wild Swimming, Sea Dipping and Cryotherapy
Lesson 3: Historical Context and Cultural Perspectives
Lesson 4: Benefits of Cold Water Therapy
Lesson 5: The Drawbacks of Cold Water Therapy
Module 1: QUIZ
Lesson 1: Understanding the Body's Response to Cold
Lesson 2: Impact on Circulation and Immune System
Lesson 3: Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Client Safety
Lesson 4: Empowering Individuals for Safe Participation
Module 2: QUIZ
Lesson 1: Setting Up a Safe Cold Water Space (Indoors and Outdoors)
Lesson 2: Equipment and Resources
Lesson 3: Emergency Protocols and First Aid Training
Lesson 4: Body Language and Tone of Voice
Lesson 5: Building Trust and Connection
Lesson 6: Group and 1-2-1 Dynamics in Cold Water Therapy Sessions
Lesson 7: Facilitation Techniques for Different Settings
Module 3: QUIZ
Lesson 1: Mental and Emotional Aspects of Cold Exposure
Lesson 2: Connection to Nature and Mindfulness
Lesson 3: Integrating Holistic Wellness into Practice
Lesson 4: Encouraging Emotional Release and Processing
Lesson 5: Looking After Yourself as a Practitioner
Module 4: QUIZ
Everything you need to qualify and lead safe and confident cold water sessions including:
Cold Water Facilitator + Basic Life Support. Not one, but TWO qualifications!
In-person immersive cold water training day hosted by Kay Lou
6 modules, 45 lessons, 11.5 hours of informative training videos
Industry-recognised training making you insurable and career-ready
Dedicated breathwork modules - the combination most courses don't teach!
Session planning, waiver forms, risk assesments and cold water resources
Access to private Kay Lou Academy community for life
3 free guides - breathwork, meditation and facilitator road map
Business guidance and support throughout from Kay Lou
Exclusive access to partner discounts and discounted insurance
Start your online learning straight away, and then join us for you in-person, training day. Dates for 2026 are 20th March, 10th June and 4th September.
Yes, both are essential. At Kay Lou Academy, we believe that theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on training go hand-in-hand to prepare you as a confident and skilled Cold Water Facilitator.
Straight away! Once payment is made you will gain access to Kay Lou Academy and learning can begin at your own pace. Once the online learning is complete you just book onto the next available in person training day which will be held at different times throughout the year.
You will qualify once all online learning is complete and the in-person day is attended. It depends on how quickly you get through your online learning, and which in-person training day you book onto. But in theory, from enrolment you could be qualified in as little as 4 weeks!
Yes (but don't worry if not). Ideally all online training should be completed before attending your in-person day as there will be practices and training that refer to the online modules. This ensures you are equipped with everything ahed of your in-person cold water facilitator and basic life support training day.
Our in-person training day is held at Chetham Farm Retreat in Bolton (UK). We have chosen the location for it's natural setting, as its set in 16 acres of farmland. There are also bed and breakfast options for anyone travelling thats looking to stay, making it really easy to attend your in-person day.
The in-person day is a mandatory part of the course. We fundamentally believe that online learning is not adequate to train you in real life cold water scenarios! We are aiming to run immersive in-person days throughout the year so one every 12 or so weeks. As the demand for the course grows (which we are confident it will) there will be more in-person immersive dates added.
Are you ready..not one but two certifications! Cold Water Facilitator Certification with Kay Lou Academy and Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification with Manchester First Aid (the BLS qualification is fully accredited and valid for two years.)
The Cold Water Facilitator Course with Kay Lou Academy is £995. That includes everything — the full online learning (covering the theory, safety, science and session planning) and a full-day in-person immersive training where you’ll get stuck in, build confidence, and actually 'do the do.' We’ve also got payment plans available if you need to spread the cost. For the level of knowledge, skill, support and practical resources you’ll walk away with — it’s an unbelievably good price. We’ve poured real time, detail and care into this course to make sure you leave ready to lead confidently in the cold water space.
Yes, we do! We’ve partnered with Klarna and Clearpay so you can split the cost into manageable instalments. We want this course to be as accessible as possible — for as many people as possible, so if spreading the payments helps you say yes to this next step, we’ve got you.
Be one of the qualified voices leading it.