Open water swimming has seen a remarkable rise in popularity in recent years and the benefits to physical and mental health are much talked about.
If you braved the cold and took part in a Boxing Day or New Year’s swim and are keen to do more, you may like to consider joining a new flock of Bluetits that has arrived on the Island.
Global social enterprise
The now-global social enterprise, The Bluetits, which began in Wales in 2014, aims to inspire people to try cold water swimming. Renowned for its inclusivity and fun atmosphere, it is run by volunteers and boasts a worldwide community of over 100 social groups, where anyone can join for free and find swim partners.
Until now, the Isle of Wight has been uncharted territory on this map, despite having a vibrant swimming community and stunning beaches.
100,000 Bluetits globally
Globally, there are approximately 100,000 Bluetits, united by their passion for swimming, adventure, and the community spirit it fosters.
They do not operate as an official club or charge membership fees, and welcome everyone to the informal swims organised within the groups.
Isle of Wight Bluetits
A group of local swimmers have come together to establish the Isle of Wight Bluetits, aiming to invite both visitors and locals to swim and dip together.
Officially launching on Friday 10th January (coincidentally “Peculiar People Day”), the group aims to meet at least once a week, starting with a Friday evening swim in Sandown, meeting at 5.30pm by the Memorial.
Jubb: Benefit from merriment and camaraderie that cold water swimming induces
Katie Jubb emphasizes the international aspect of the group, inspiring others to travel and connect with local swimming communities.
“I have followed the Bluetits Chill Swimmers for sometime and hoped one day to have a flock on the IW. I have bumped into many Bluetits on various cold water lido trips on the mainland and even followed a flock with my hubby, to Estonia in March this year!
“The Bluetit ethos is that all are welcome, (including those who want to stay dry, but enjoy the blue space nature provides) to benefit from the general merriment and camaraderie that cold water swimming induces.
“Bluetits is a fantastic network of like minded swimmers, enabling you to connect with others easily both nationally and internationally, providing limitless open water swimming opportunities and challenges. We thought it was about time we shared our beautiful Island, with its fabulous ‘swimpportunities’, with the wider Bluetit network. We hope many will visit us, and we continue to plan our swimming adventures with Bluetit flocks far and wide!
“People are so busy and stressed these days, which can leak into their leisure time. We have lost the art of switching off and winding down. Cold water swimming forces you to think about nothing else, you have no other option but to be present and in the moment! We plan therefore to have a regular dip on a Friday evening to help ease people into their weekends and to leave the work week behind.”
Gale: I can’t imagine my life without it
Claire Gale shares her journey,
“Having lived on the Island since late 1997, I rarely swam in the sea. With around 15 years as a swimming teacher, I believed pools were for swimming!
“Three years ago, I began to question why, living in such a beautiful place with amazing beaches, I wasn’t taking advantage of it. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a try. Now, I can’t imagine my life without it! I’ve made wonderful friends and get a huge thrill from swimming year-round, valuing how it helps me ‘reset’ on tough days. Whenever I travel, I seek out the nearest beach or lido, so I know many visitors, along with locals, will be eager to join the new Isle of Wight Flock of Bluetits and connect with others who share this joy!”
Ciccognani: We’re not competing with existing groups
Sandy Ciccognani adds,
“For the past six years, I’ve encouraged people to embrace the sea.
“I started a Facebook group, launched a social enterprise, trained as an outdoor swimming coach, organised swimming information events, introduced the concept of a Sea Café, brought Sea Hiking (also known as Longe Côte) to the Island, and even hosted a podcast called For The Love of Swimming.
“Introducing the Bluetits model to the Island is just another way to reach people and share my love for being in the water. We’re not competing with existing groups – having various options ensures there’s something for everyone.”
Johnson: Friendly, supportive, encouraging and fun
Pam Johnson shares her experience,
“I joined the Swim the Wight social enterprise three years ago because I wanted to swim in the sea, and my partner was concerned about me swimming alone. It worked out wonderfully, and I soon connected with others, and now we swim as a group.
“While finding swimming buddies was my primary motivation, I must say there are health benefits as well; even in winter, when swimming long distances can be challenging, I still meet up with my swim buddies.
“Our group has evolved to enjoy many of the Island’s beaches, and I believe this is true for many small swimming groups that likely began at their local beaches. It would be fantastic to know where others are swimming and join them – that’s what the Bluetits facilitate.
“From my experience, when I travel off the Island and seek other groups or individuals to swim safely with, it can be quite difficult without the Bluetits social enterprise.
“Similarly, visitors to the Island would find it much easier to connect with other swimmers who possess local knowledge about sea conditions. In all the groups I’ve joined, I’ve found them to be friendly, supportive, encouraging and fun!”
If you wish to join in, simply ask to join the Isle of Wight Bluetits Group on Facebook or come along to the Memorial on Sandown Seafront at 5.30pm on a Friday evening.
News shared by Sandy on behalf of IW Bluetits. Ed
