Ah, Margate - a seaside gem with golden sands, Turner sunsets and a sea that entices year-round swimmers. Most of us have spent time in the water in the summer or on holiday, but if you’ve ever fancied a dip regardless of the season, Margate’s tidal pools and surrounding coastline are just perfect. So in this week's blog, we dive (sorry not sorry) into the benefits, a few safety tips, and local swim groups that make sea swimming here both invigorating and downright delightful.
So first up - why bother? Taking the plunge throughout the year offers lots of health perks and it’s definitely something that I’ve been surprised to have embraced so much since moving here. I find it utterly invigorating whenever I'm in the water, whether I'm marvelling at the beauty of the sun glittering on the water, the quiet calm of a gorgeous sunrise, the sound of voices and laughter on a warm summer evening or swimming over the waves on a stormier day. It's always magical, makes me feel very alive and I never regret going out. But I've also found the social side a real benefit - it's helped me meet new people and build on existing friendships.
I've found that regular dips can reduce my stress levels, alleviate anxiety and depression, and enhance my overall mood. The combination of cold water and physical activity releases endorphins, those delightful hormones that make me feel on top of the world.
Swimming is a low-impact exercise and the resistance of the water provides a full-body workout without straining the joints - great for someone like me with plenty of old injuries to be mindful of. According to www.heartresearch.org.uk, open water swimming has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease through improvements in cholesterol levels,blood pressure and inflammation when practised regularly.
But before you channel your inner mermaid (or merman), this is not a activity without risk, so keep these safety tips in mind (check out some of the links at the end for more):
• Know Your Limits: Cold water can be a shock to the system. Start with short swims and gradually increase your time in the water as your body acclimatises. I'm not as strong a swimmer as I'd like, so am very careful about when and how far I go out.
• Always swim with a friend or group. Not only is it safer, but it’s also more fun to have someone to laugh with when the cold hits! I swim in a lifeguard monitored beach where possible (usually May-October at Westbrook Bay and Margate Main Sands) or head out when I know other swimmers will be on my beach.
• Check the Tides: Ensure you’re aware of the tidal schedule and keep an eye on wind and other weather conditions. I use a standard weather app along with tidetimes.org.uk and head to a Tidal Pool at low tide.
• Stay Warm: Wear appropriate swim gear, and have warm clothing and a hot drink ready for after your swim. Hypothermia is no joke, even for the bravest among us. You'll find BeachBum changing robes and beanies, plus Wild Swimming fingerless gloves from Black & Beech in our Swimming collection ONLINE. I like ZONE3 for swimming costumes, gloves and socks.
Margate’s sea-swimming scene is as vibrant all year round as a beach hut in summer. Here are some local groups to consider:
• Mental Health Swims Margate: An inclusive community, offering peer support through regular swim meet-ups. They typically gather at 9:30 am on Sundays by the pink pirate flag near the Walpole Bay tidal pool. Follow their Instagram @mentalhealthswims_margate
• Harbour & Tide Swim Club: A friendly, informal group that meets regularly for sea dips at Stone Bay in Broadstairs. Participants receive a loyalty card that builds points to get a discount in their store (where you'll Sitting Suits and swimwear). Check out their instagram @harbourandtide for more details
So, don your swimsuit (and perhaps a wetsuit in winter), muster some British pluck, and join the ranks of Margate’s sea swimmers. After all, if you can brave the North Sea in January, you can handle just about anything life throws your way!
*Disclaimer - I am not an expert, anyone considering taking up sea swimming should check the risks themselves and seek medical advice if you have any conditions that may not be compatible. It is your responsibility to make sure it is safe for you to participate in any form of open water swimming. And I definitely don't recomend anyone starts swimming on their own in January!
Useful links:
https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/open-water-swimming
https://www.openwaterswimming.com
https://heartresearch.org.uk/ht-is-open-water-swimming-good-for-your-heart
https://www.sas.org.uk/water-quality/sewage-pollution-alerts/