The Benefits of Sea Swimming For Your Health
In the past year in particular, sea swimming has grown massively in popularity across Ireland and the UK. Previously, our relatively colder water temperatures put most people off, and they stuck to dipping in the Med, the Adriatic or the Agean seas on their two week package holidays in the sun; however the ‘perfect storm’ combination of 2020 Covid lockdowns with gyms and pools being closed, as well as the availability of better swimming and post-swimming equipment (all hail the Dry Robe and similar attire!) and quite literally having little else to do but exercise in nature and nurture our mental health, have meant that the sport once thought to be favoured by old ladies in funny hats is now mainstream. Like, proper mainstream.
The secret sauce might actually lie with those aforementioned old ladies… You see, the health benefits of sea water (both physically and mentally) are endless, and rumours of age-defying, life-lengthening properties are slowly but surely being proven, some more scientifically than others… but the proof is in the pudding, they say – and it’s a tasty dessert once you try it.
Immersing yourself into cold water can be a daunting and unbearable thought at first; and that first step (especially if you don’t have sock boots to numb the freeze on the squillions of nerve endings in your feet) however, the rewarding and stimulating feeling that stays with your whole body and mind afterwards can offer you a huge sense of clarity, and leave you highly energised, as well as offering a whole heap of health benefits.
Let’s take a look at some of the excellent health reasons to get your kit off and get your swim on!
1. SEA SWIMMING IS GREAT FOR YOUR SKIN
The minerals within sea water are very beneficial to those with skin conditions - particularly eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. The magnesium in sea water can lower cortisol levels in the body, calming the nervous system and reducing the likelihood of stress-induced breakouts.
Magnesium, calcium and potassium are all skin-friendly minerals that can be found in sea water which are anti-inflammatory, helping to heal and protect the skin barrier. Additionally, salt is antibacterial and antimicrobial which can be beneficial for those with acne.
2. SEA SWIMMING BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Many studies have shown that cold water aids to boost your white blood cell count due to the body being forced to adapt and react to the changing conditions.
You may often hear that sea swimmers tend to get sick less often; this is because their immune system is strengthened and built up from regular cold dips. The trace elements and micro-organisms act as natural antibiotics which are absorbed into the skin, enhancing the body’s health and well-being. Regular dips in cold water can also help regulate the antioxidant processes in your body, helping reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
3. SEA SWIMMING CAN HELP WITH WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Taking time to swim in the sea can increase blood circulation, boost the respiratory system and sinuses, and most importantly give a good jolt of adrenaline, especially in the freezing cold Irish Sea or The Atlantic Ocean! All this helps with overall fitness, which in turn allows for better metabolism and weight management.
Swimming in cold water forces your body to work twice as hard to warm up and maintain its working temperature, this in turn will burn way more calories than at an indoor swimming pool (but swimming pool swimming is still good though!).
There are two types of fat in the body – white and brown fat. Brown fat specifically generates energy by burning calories. Research has shown that exposure to cold water in general stimulates the generation of brown fat energy and in turn increases your metabolic rate and circulation.
4. SEA SWIMMING BOOSTS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Probably the most important benefit of sea swimming is to do with its direct effects on overall mental health – and given the year we’ve all had, it’s no wonder droves of people are taking to the sea for solace.
Hydrotherapy of all sorts has been known for millennia to decrease levels of anxiety and depression with the all-natural high of producing endorphins (the ‘feel good’ molecules) which come from exercise and relaxing in water. Cold sea water shocks the body into a meditative and mindful state, requiring the swimmer to focus solely on breathing and swimming. There is no time to think about everyday worries, which can be a rewarding feeling and spiritual, freeing experience.
Lots of swimmers enjoy the ‘at-one-with-nature’ feeling of sea water surrounding them. There is freedom in giving away control to the wondrous force of the power of the sea, albeit in a safe way (and on that note, please never, ever swim alone in the sea and always check conditions before going in).
Camaraderie and a sense of belonging is another gentle mental health benefit – lockdown has been a lonely time for many, and there are growing numbers of sea swimming clubs all over social media which offer community and support for those who might otherwise have felt very alone. Scheduled group swims and water events are, of course, off the agenda for now, but there will always be someone safely nearby to offer themselves as a spotter or to accompany a lone swimmer to the nearest buoy and back.
Anything goes too. I see all shapes and sizes, abilities and ages on my local beach; it’s very much community over competition – and the lack of judgement is so wonderful. It’s like the sea swimmers on my beach really do reflect a perfect snapshot of human life itself. This welcoming atmosphere can be very comforting to those who may have felt alienated in other sports or communities. I personally know people who swim to get through grief, depression, anxiety, break ups, work stress and much, much more alongside those who just enjoy the dip for the fun of it.
As mentioned previously, sea water is rich in magnesium which can loosen and relax muscles, promoting deeper sleep and a clearer mind. For those suffering with chronic pain, a daily or weekly sea water swim can offer relief not usually found outside the medicine cabinet - and I’m all for replacing pharma with karma as much as we can.
TOP TIPS FOR NEWBIES
My advice is to wear neoprene/wetsuit sockboots (and gloves) if you can, as this helps your body acclimatise much less abruptly, especially in Winter months. (Your feet and hands have the most temperature sensors and nerve endings than any other part of your body, and you will definitely last longer on your first dips with the socks, I promise!).
2. Bring a flask of warm tea or coffee for afterwards, even think of wrapping your towels and your comfy, easy-to-put-on clothes around some water bottles. Warming your hands on water bottles will help get your finger movement back quicker so you can get dressed (some people’s hands do seize up in very cold water!).
3. Once you become more regular, borrow or buy a Dry Robe or similar, they really are awesome for getting dressed with dignity (and warmth!). They are expensive though, and have waiting lists in most brands, so really only invest if you are going to swim regularly. PS There are locally made brands too, if you’d rather shop local.
4. I’ve said it above, but I will say it again. Please don’t swim alone! The sea is mighty - much mightier than us, so please always have a buddy, in the water or on the shore. If you’re a newbie and none of your friends feel like joining you, seek out some swimming groups on Facebook or even hire a coach. I’d recommend Colin McCord who takes swimmers out daily in Helen’s Bay. Find him on Instagram via this link: Colin Mccard (@swellswimmers_openwatercoach) • Instagram photos and videos
