Have you noticed the increase of swimmers along our shores? The growth in wild swimming, swimming outdoors in the “wild” rather than in a pool, has exploded since the pandemic began. 

The Outdoor Swimming Society’s membership grew by 36%, and the Bluetits Chill Swimmers national swim club now has more than 8,000 new members (Highcliffe has a local chapter).  Here in Milford on Sea, we’ve seen this exponential growth in sea swimming too.  Swimmers of all ages and abilities have taken to the shores to enjoy the benefits of sea swimming.

While mostly anecdotal, swimmers report that their daily dip has afforded them with several mental and physical health benefits.  Several swimmers have now made it a year-round event. Many find the cold water refreshing, exhilarating, and most of all, fun!

There are many popular places to swim here.  Swimmers can be found by the crabbing bridge in Keyhaven, and along the beaches in Milford, particularly near the carparks on Hurst Road, and Hordle Cliff West.  Barton on Sea has its own beautiful beaches as well which are not to be missed! Combining a swim with a walk or run along the clifftop, or on the spit towards Hurst Castle is a fantastic way to keep fit and enjoy the outdoors.  Confidence in the sea and acclimatization to the cold water has also proven useful for those who enjoy boating or paddle boarding too.

Swimming in the sea has also enabled people to reconnect with nature. Angus McChesney, of Iconic Swims, says his company’s mission is to use sea swimming as a way of reconnecting New Forest residents with the marine environment close to their home. He reports being struck by the number of first-time sea swimmers who have remarked, “I love to walk here, but I have never thought about swimming until today.” 

I started sea swimming in the UK pre-pandemic, after a few swims with Barton on Sea coach and personal trainer, Melissa Rayner.  I was later put in touch with local swimmer Roger Middle who had a small chat group on WhatsApp where swimmers could organize themselves to swim a kilometre or two.  The group expanded from here, and now has over 100 members!  Their group grew so large, fellow swimmer and Milford on Sea resident, Leila Deacon, and I set up another group for those of us who would enjoy a brief dip, rather than a distance swim. If you are interested in joining a free, social “dip and chat” WhatsApp group, based in Milford on Sea please contact : seashannonswim@gmail.com and put “Milford Swimming WhatsApp Group” in the subject line.

Have you thought about joining in the fun, but don’t know where to start? There are several swimming instructors and coaches who offer introductory sessions.

Sea swimming lessons and tours are offered locally by Courtney Shannon       

at SeaShannon.com,

Angus McChesney at IconicSwims.com,

and Melissa Rayner at Melsfitnessfusion.co.uk