The Bluetits chill swimming community are a group of people within Bournemouth and Poole who came together and formed friendships over their love for sea swimming.
Today, the team celebrate their second birthday and did so in style by taking an icy, cold plunge at Canford Cliffs early this morning.
With the sun rising above them, the cheers from all were exhilarating as they dipped into the 6 degrees sea.
The group then enjoyed a warm drink, and cake to celebrate their two years of facing the cold every single morning with a refreshing and beneficial swim.
Creator and Chief Tit, Sarah Cleal spoke to our team of reporters this morning on why she started the group.
“I wasn’t keen initially because I quite liked our little group, but now we have all these lovely people and haven’t looked back.”
Sarah works night shifts before driving to the groups dedicated meeting spot, and jumping straight in within a matter of seconds.
“The thing i’ve found over the past two years is that it isn’t all about the sea, it’s about all the friendships you make and that’s been a lifeline to a lot of people.”
Bluetit, Jo Townsend is grateful for Sarah’s creation, and continued work and dedication to the group.
“I’m just grateful to Sarah for actually forming the group and keeping it running, and I think a lot of these ladies would agree.”
Whilst speaking to Jo, she reinforced the sense of team that there is throughout the group.
“You might be having a bad time but if you come down here, it all goes and theres always someone to talk to or give you a hug.”
When asking the benefits of sea swimming or plunging as it is also cold for those quick dips, mental health was one of the benefits of which Sarah was quick to name.
“The big one is mental health obviously which is prominent for a lot of people recently, especially after COVID but menopausal your symptoms are relieved, and even blood pressure.”
Listen to an excerpt from todays radio bulletin on this story below:
Other benefits of this are your skin, immune system and even your sleep, so there’s a reason for anyone to give the brave Bluetits’ ways a go.
Our reporter, Kitty Nixon, joined the team to see just how great of a start to your day sea swimming is.
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