OPEN water swimming helps a person connect with nature, offers much-needed headspace in the midst of the pandemic and eases physical pain, according to those who brave the cold.
With indoor pools closed due to Covid, open water swimming has become so popular that The Outdoor Swimming Society took down its map of swimming spots after concerns they would be overwhelmed.
North-East woman Gemma Lieberman, 40, was “immediately hooked” after trying the activity in June.
She said: “You feel really refreshed, invigorated, and it’s so beautiful to be on the beach. It was really easy in the summer.”
Ms Lieberman says she had never swum in the English sea before “let alone only in a swimming costume”.
But summer dips have now turned into ice-cold swims.
She said: “I’m quite an extreme person and feel extremely exhilarated in the cold. There’s something about it being mind over matter.
“I think it’s a lazy person’s way to the good chemicals. You get an intense rush, dopamine, endorphins. It’s important to find space for yourself.
“A lot of my friends think I’m crackers but it’s been a key factor in keeping me balanced. It has changed my life and helped me survive the last nine months. No doubt.”
Whitley Bay-based Ms Lieberman, who is swimming as many days as she can as part of the ‘Chatter Challenge’, is now also considering taking part in the Great North Swim.
Gemma Lieberman, 40, swims at Cullercoats
County Durham woman Jayne Rudd starting taking part in triathlons just months before the first lockdown and did not want to stop swimming.
The 33-year-old, from Evenwood, said: “I started swimming in the sea with a wetsuit and then dipped in my bathing suit. I instantly fell in love with it. You feel amazing after.
“You know that feeling you get when you go for a walk in a really beautiful place, it’s the next stage of that. You are so close to nature.”
Paula Atkinson, from Stanley, left her job in the NHS after her mental health “took a turn for the worst” during the pandemic.
Becca Harvey, 30, has been training for an ice mile for two years. Picture: @harvmania
The 40-year-old said: “Open water swimming has helped so much with my depression, anxiety, my confidence and most of all my pain.”
After seeing a group on the news over Christmas, she decided to get involved. She added: “I was in a bad place. I slept most of the time and felt so down.
“On January 2, I got out of bed and said I’m doing it. I got my stuff together and went on my own. I’ve never looked back. I feel alive, energetic and so confident. I love the buzz.
“I still suffer from depression and anxiety but not as bad. My pain has eases so much when I’ve been in the water and for a while after. It hasn’t gone completely but I now can exercise and am doing a health a fitness diploma.”
Jonathan Mitson, 49, from Hartburn, Stockton
Both new and seasoned swimmers praise the activity, with one man calling it a “life saver”.
Jonathan Mitson, 49, struggled with depression which worsened some years ago due to medication he was on.
The Stockton man said: “I was having daily intrusive thoughts about suicide and dying and that everything was a potential threat, it was horrendous my life was turned on its head.
“The cold water really is a calming influence, it snaps you awake in a morning, sets you for the day ahead and also builds resilience.
“It pushes you out of your comfort zone so your body begins to manage and cope with anxiety and fear from the adrenaline.
“You just have to conquer each little fear every time you get in the water.
“It’s a life saver, my only regret is I discovered it too late but wild swimming and cold water exposure will be part of my life going forward.”
Becca Harvey, 30, swims in low temperatures in just her bathing suit. Picture: @harvmania
He added: “Always swim with a friend, have a tow float and have some warm clothes to get changed into, and a hot drink.”
Becca Harvey, 30, who started open water swimming in January 2018, said it helped her get through PTSD after a car accident.
She said: “I had bad headaches, fatigue, pain in my legs and arms, like a physical symptoms of stress. After years of therapy and medication, nothing worked.
“Open water swimming is like extreme meditation. It triggers your stress response so your mind cannot focus on anything else apart from how cold you are. You lose every other worry.
“It’s hard when you’re in there, but then when you get out you remember it gives you the space you need.”
A piture of Ms Harvey's friend, Cath, swimming in South Wales. Picture: @harvmania
Ms Harvey, who swims at Roker, has now been training for an ice mile for two years and has two medals under her belt from ice swimming championships.
She added: “People are so desperate to find joy outside, it’s great so many people are open water swimming now but it’s also quite sad if you have to go alone.
“There are so many little tips that you learn from the community, like wearing a swimming cap under your hat to stay warm.”
Ms Harvey also stresses the importance of being safe in the water and knowing limitations.
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