Living within fifteen minutes from the sea is a blessing during the summer months. Locals are able to indulge in the beach aesthetic by relinquishing the shackles of a parka and concentrating on achieving an unnaturally red tan. However, outside of the brief tropical season, Bowleaze Cove is often left undisturbed, apart from the few daring individuals who have chosen to embrace the cathartic cold.

But why would anyone continually brave the biting sea during the chillier months? The new wave of sea swimming groups has seen increasing interest in this activity as an effective form of exercise, whilst allowing the swimmers to fully immerse themselves in nature. Regularly enjoying a brief swim at a local beach can dramatically improve a person’s physical health. Even a fifteen-minute swim provides an adventurous workout, that engages almost your entire body within a single stroke.

The specific benefits of cold water therapy on physical wellbeing reveals the advantages of diving into the nearest beach rather than a local leisure centre. Studies have proven that immersing yourself in water below 20 degrees triggers a short-term stress response. As your heart rate increases, your immune system response and mental performance are also improved.

A group of avid sea swimmers at Bowleaze Cove revealed how their hobby has also elevated their mental wellbeing. Emma Green, a Weymouth local who has been routinely sea swimming for two years, described how “the shock of the freezing temperatures melts any previous worries away.” Green’s love for sea swimming highlights the positive effects that this addictive activity can have on a person’s welfare.

Speaking to Emma Green and her close-knit group of friends demonstrated how sea swimming provides many people with the opportunity to socialise and bond with others. Anyone wanting to get into the activity can either join an established group or perhaps encourage their current friends to brave the cold.

These informal meetups are an exhilarating opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals over the shared love of swimming, stressless socialising, and the ocean.