Outdoor Swimming for Men’s Health
The Blue Bloods Wild Swim Club is a group for men that swim outdoors, all year round, in the Cotswold Lakes.
Founded by outdoor swimmer Paul Flynn in 2024, the club welcomes all, including wives and partners, to experience the wellbeing benefits of outdoor swimming.
The benefits of the group are many and varied. A survey conducted by Gloucestershire County Council in 2022 found that 43% of men in the region reported feeling stressed or anxious on a regular basis, yet only 20% had accessed any form of professional mental health support.
The relaxed, informal group helps men to stay mentally and physically healthy. One member says “It’s helped me conquer my depression, which I had for a long time. I’m surrounded by good people.”
Despite only swimming in cold water for a short while, some members of the club have recently returned from competing in the Winter Swimming World Championship in Finland.
Another club member says “On a rainy August bank holiday in 2024, I went to Lake 32 Outdoor Centre to meet a guy who had started a wild swimming group aimed at getting men together, connecting with nature and each other. Over the past 18 months, I’ve met so many good friends and had so many laughs and adventures that I consider myself to be very blessed. The latest chapter has been a trip to Finland. It has been everything that I hoped it would be and more.”
The club isn’t about competition, though, and most members come just to have a quick dip and a good chat.
As the club grows, they have set up a Crowdfunder to purchase safety equipment, provide free sessions for newcomers, and access training in outdoor swimming leadership so that even more men can benefit.
Paul says “we know that there is huge demand for the club and we want to remove barriers for men trying it out for the first time. Support at any level would be much appreciated!”
Individuals and companies are invited to support the fundraising effort here https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/blue-bloods—wild-swimming-for-wellbeing
You can contact Paul to discuss the Crowdfunder, or ask questions about the club, by emailing hellobluebloods@gmail.com
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