by Rebecca Hannant
A new women’s swimming group has been launched in Hornsea aiming to provide more choice alongside a safe and friendly space to swim.
The Hornsea Dolphins organise regular swims on North Beach, and within lakes and lidos. The group was set up with the aim of offering more choice on times and types of swims for its members who wanted more flexibility.
The current cohort of swimmers have also used the group to form new friendships, saying the organisers are friendly people who welcome new members with open arms.
Member Kate Spencer-Payne said: “There is fun, friendship and laughter and lots of support for everyone. We talk about everything on the beach. Swimming in cold water makes you
feel amazing but not everyone wants to swim, especially in winter.
“You can bring a chair and a cuppa to the beach and have a chat with everyone. We are always very welcoming.”
Open-water swimming is also said to provide a range of health benefits including improving mental health and being good for the body.
Kate added: “Cold-water swimming is great for your health and makes you feel fabulous. We take safety very seriously. We look after each other and always swim with floats. Anybody considering winter swimming needs to read up about hypothermia while in the water but also when you get out.”
Out of the water, the group organises meals out, film nights, psychic Halloween nights and other events.
They are also keen to raise money for charities, and their latest swim on Sunday, November 5, saw them raise £1,100 for Breast Cancer Now.
The group, which receives support from the Hornsea branch of the NCI, is always on the lookout for new members and anyone wanting to find out more can join the Hornsea Dolphins Facebook group.
To donate to the group’s Breast Cancer Now appeal, visit justgiving.com/page/hornsea-dolphins.
