04 Jun Have you tried sea swimming in Torbay?

Jess (left) & the gang on a previous nautical outing

Here in Torbay, you’re typically not far from the sight, sound or even smell of the sea, regardless of wherever you are in the Bay at that moment in time. Despite this, how often do Torbay residents actually take a dip in the “big bath”? (a name bestowed by a colleague of mine, in his childhood days). In more recent years, sea swimming seems to have become more popular, but how many of you have taken the plunge? The ocean can indeed be a big, daunting wet thing, full of…all sorts of things, but how about an opportunity to dip your toe in and give it a chance?

Active Lives (formerly Live Longer Better, part of Ageing Well Torbay’s legacy of working to enrich the lives of over fifties) are teaming up with Healthscape CIC, for their “Wish you were here” swim challenge, which challenges locals with the “quest” to take a dip, once per week/four times a month, from the beginning of June through to the end of August. You’re encouraged to share photos of your swims, and to also try “Summer Shenanigans” (I do love the word, shenanigans) a series of side quests along the way, which includes eating holiday food from your childhood and sharing your thoughts about it, smiling at a stranger, offering directions/similar acts of kindness, and picking litter at any local beaches. You can use the photos you take to construct a digital postcard, and there’s a prize at the end up for grabs for the best postcard! It costs £7.50 to take part, and you can sign up via Healthscape’s website at www.healthscapecic.co.uk/events/wish-you-were-here/ (or Google “Healthscape CIC” and look for the challenge on the events page from the top menu)

Jess from Torbay Communities and Sue from Healthscape appreciate that for many though, a challenge like this may indeed be well…challenging for some, particularly those with little or no experience of sea-swimming, perhaps little confidence in the water, or even barriers such as health that may deter some from even thinking of such a swim. That’s why they will be running a series of Swim & Beach sessions at a local beach hut near you.

These are easy-going sessions with a fully qualified sea-swimming instructor, with aqua aerobics included for those who are interested, plus plenty of drinks (both hot and cold) and snacks on hand, for a relaxing break by a beach hut before and after any swimming takes place.

Overall, the aim of these sessions is to build the confidence of over fifties who want to go for a sea swim, and several dates have already been set: Monday 16^th June 1-4pm & Thursday 17^th July 2:30-5:30pm taking place at Preston Beach, and 30^th June 1-4pm, Monday 21^st July 10am-2pm, Thursday 7^th August 2:30-5:30pm and Monday 11^th August 1-4pm taking place at Goodrington Beach. Booking is essential but free for all these sessions, so do make sure you get in touch with Jess by calling her on 07772 023170 or email [email protected] to get signed up.

Healthscape also offer a variety of “Dip” events around the Bay, all of which can be found listed on their website on the events page, such as next Wednesday’s Torre Abbey Sundowners Dip starting at 6:30pm or the Summer Solstice Sunrise Dip at Preston Sands, 4:30am on Saturday 21^st June. All free to attend, but booking is required!

A Confidence Swim will also be taking place around Paignton Pier on Wednesday 18^th July with Healthscape, beginning at 7pm, with the opportunity to swim around the pier at half-tide, with volunteers on hand both in and out of the water. You can sign up for this swim, like the dips, all for free on their website as well.

With Active Lives comes a whole plethora of activities to try, courses to learn more about healthy lifestyles on, connections to make, friends to be met, so if you’re looking to lead a happier, healthier life over the age of fifty – speak to Jess, and while you’re at it, why not ask about the Torbay Assembly, if you’re looking to have your voice heard locally? Why not ask about your local community builder? All more ways to get connected and stuck into the local action.