In a further initiative to promote the benefits of cold-water swimming and sea-based activities to islanders, The People’s Health Trust using money raised by The Health Lottery South East has awarded an 18 month grant to Swim The Wight CIC to promote and deliver cold water acclimatisation and swimming sessions for the people living in certain postcodes on the Isle of Wight.
Free acclimatisation sessions
From the week commencing 4th September 2023, Swim The Wight will be providing regular sea / cold water swimming acclimatisation sessions to people, free of charge.
This health project, set to run throughout the winter and continue for the next 18 months, aims to encourage people, who may not have previously tried cold water sports, into the sea (a low cost and natural resource) safely and enjoyably.
What’s included
The grant will include the very important acclimatisation sessions for new swimmers (or refreshers), and weekly sea cafe swims at various Island beaches, post dip refreshments, beach hut hire for winter, equipment hire e.g. paddle boards or kayaks and coaching to improve your swimming style and confidence.
After each swim/bob participants get together in a local café for warming refreshments and a post swim chat.
Anyone and everyone can benefit
The good news is that there are no requirements to join in, anyone and everyone can benefit from being in the sea all year round even if it is just to bob or play in the waves.
If you live in the selected postcodes all this will be offered for free. The important thing is to come along, join in with the group, meet people, make new friends and enjoy the fresh air and water – all excellent for health and well-being.
For those living outside the selected postcodes the cost is just £5 per sea cafe and £30 for an acclimatisation session, theory and practice.
Thorneton-Field: Members have felt huge benefits
Victoria Thorneton-Field, Swim The Wight comments,
“The awarding of this grant by The People’s Health Trust enables us to provide free acclimatisation and sea cafes for Island residents within certain postcodes.
“Over the past three years we have seen so many people grow in confidence through joining our regular sea cafes.
“Members have learned how to use the sea safely, they have felt huge benefits, laughed a lot, made new friends, all of which helps their physical and mental health.”
Sea Cafes
Swim The Wight CIC will use the grant money to fund two Sea Cafes per week that will be driven by the participants, for the participants ensuring that everyone who joins in can benefit.
The Sea Cafes offer an opportunity to build your confidence in the sea and meet other like-minded crazy people. They will encourage you to exercise, to get out in the fresh air and achieve whatever your goals might be, everyone is included (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult).
Find out more
To find out more and discover if your postcode is eligible for this free opportunity to try something new please visit the Website where there is more eligibility information or contact Victoria at Swim The Wight on 07833 348 186.
News shared by Emma on behalf of Swim the Wight. Ed
