Lorna on the merits of open sea swimming

14 April 2021

A KILLYLEAGH woman has praised the benefits of open water swimming and how it has helped her cope through the lockdown.

Lorna McCormick, (50) has noticed a substantial increase in people taking part in cold water swimming during the last year amidst the pandemic.

Lorna credits swimming in cold water to benefiting her own health, as she first experienced when she started three years ago.

“I think one of the reasons I got into cold water swimming was for my own health. I had been told it was good for anxiety which I have struggled with, so I thought I may try it myself,” said Lorna.

“Once I tried it for the first time, I was hooked. It sends sensations up your body and brings an overwhelming sense of calmness to you. It’s a complete form of tranquility.”

Cold water swimming has been reported to help people who struggle with depression and anxiety as well as slowing down the onset of dementia and help with the effects of menopause. It also has been reported to increase happiness, give your body better circulation and to help build your immune system.

Although an advocate for cold water, Lorna also stressed the importance of safe swimming, especially when the temperature s to near freezing.

“It’s a good place to be when you’re in the water. I think the colder it is then the more benefit you get from it,” she said. “However, you obviously have to be careful when you’re going in, especially during harsher weather you have to limit your time.

“If you go into it and you’re not used to having your breathing under control, your body can go into an uncontrollable shock. Start slowly and get your body into control. I’ve seen people walk in and run out again almost immediately, but once you get used to the process you just feel happy, calm and relaxed and you want to stay in longer.”

After stressing variables which must be taken into account before hitting the waters, Lorna also lists some essential tips for beginners thinking of giving it a try.

“Always take someone with you in case something goes wrong. Try and find a safe beach, which I know could be more challenging as we have to stay local” she said.

Since lockdown, I’ve been restricted so I would travel to the end of the quay in Killyleagh and swim down there. You have to consider the effects of rip tides as they can come close to the shore and can be a very real danger.”

Lorna recommends those who are thinking of giving it a try to bring a wetsuit, neoprene socks, a hat, gloves, dry robe, hot drinks and possibly a hot water bottle for afterwards.

Swimmers should always aim to gradually heat their body once out of the water by adding layers to prevent going into a hypothermic shock.

Also, they are advised to bring a floating aid to be seen safely and wear bright clothes.

Lorna, a NHS care worker, first got involved with wild swimming after a colleague informed her of a Bangor-based group called Dash and Splash.

Since then, more and more groups have took to the waters in local places such as Newcastle, Ballyhornan and Whiterock. Lorna’s native Killyleagh have recently formed the cold water group Dippy Flipper swimmers.

These groups are highly recommended to beginners as they have invaluable knowledge of the waters they are swimming in.

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