Bournemouth Sea Dippers have entered their sixth year of their group’s daily cold water morning dips at Boscombe Beach.
Founding member of the group ‘Stump’ spoke about how important community is to them and describes it as “missing from society” and says how their group is much more than just swimming.
‘Stump’ reflected on the mental health benefits he has noticed since being in the group after his leukemia diagnosis seven years ago and said, “we all support each other.”
Another member Mary Richards, 69, described how the Sea Dippers helped her when her son Gareth Richards, a comedian and presenter, died in a car collision. She said, “The sea and these people really held me.”
Last year the group held a ceremony in the sea for her sons second anniversary of his passing, she said, “It was the most amazing thing.”
She highlighted that the Bournemouth Sea Dippers are a community that supports and uplifts each other as they all have their own challenges.
According to Surf Forecast, Bournemouth seas can drop to temperatures typically between 8 to 9°C during the colder seasons. Many of the group’s members explained how important the health benefits are to them. Some include enhanced circulation and reduced inflammation.
One of the Sea Dippers, Ed, has multiple sclerosis. He explains, “The cold seems to be good for the signals going up and down the body.” He adds, “I generally feel much better after being in the cold.”
He explains how the members of the group have helped him throughout the past year by carrying him into the water and allowing him to enjoy the experience as this wouldn’t be something he could do by himself.
There is more to the group than dipping in the sea, they help one another and build long lasting friendships.
With the new year commencing, the Bournemouth Sea Dippers, now six years in, are encouraging more people to join their group and be part of their growing community.
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