Emerged

Cold water swimming is becoming more popular world-wide. People are reaping the benefits for mental health and more besides. Known as Bluetits, the women’s cold water swimming clubs that have popped up around the UK are growing in number and taking full advantage of the country’s natural coastline. On one Friday morning in 2022, I joined the St Leonards-On-Sea Bluetits group who meet weekly, even daily sometimes, for collaborative swims in the sea all year round.

While I took their portrait, I asked each of the group what their motivation for joining was, and what they felt post-swim. Laura said “Being in the sea gives me a rare opportunity to be totally present”, while Nansi explained “I needed a community and powerful female friendship and I needed a life change: something that was for me and not about being a mum”. A recurring reason was expressed by Naomi “My mental health has definitely improved over the last few months and I always look forward to swimming.”

While it was a sunny day during the shoot, many swimmers expressed how they even prefer the swims in the winter. The wild experience they say, puts life’s pains into perspective and invigorates their sense of wellbeing.