GO WILD SWIMMING
Helen makes a splash with a hardy group of women called The Menopausal Mermaids
Icome out of the sea – and I should add that I’m only in a swimming costume – my skin is pink and glowing, the winter wind-chill nips my skin. But I feel so invincible – I feel strong, ready for anything!
“We are blessed with the most amazing beaches on the Nor th Coast of Nor thern Ireland and my plunge into the Nor th Atlantic makes me feel physically and mentally fitter than I’ve ever been.”
After Nicole Morelli, from the seaside town of
Por tstewar t finished that description I just wanted to grab my cossie and head to the waves – but perhaps it’s not as simple as that... nor thern beaches. But Nicole has encouraged people, mostly women, to take on the waves without wetsuits so they can experience all the benefits to mind and body that cold water swimming can bring. Word soon spread and now some 600 women, of all ages and from all walks of life, are registered with the swimming group’s social media pages. They call themselves The Menopausal Mermaids.
“The name came by accident when one of the swimmers mentioned it helped hot flushes and someone chipped in, ‘we’re just a group of menopausal thought… well, why not here?
Early next morning, in only our costumes and swim hats, we hit the waves. The squeals, shouting and laughter from the pair of us could have woken up the neighbourhood! We only managed a couple of minutes but coming out we felt this enormous buzz so we went back the next day and the next and we’ve never looked back.”
Nicole said she was self-conscious of her body at first but soon got over that.
“Ever yone in the group tackles that in their own way as they do actually getting into the water! There’s those who dive right in, there’s the
seen a lot of changes in them. The sea swimming is a real life line.”
The social side of is impor tant as well. It’s a great bonding experience. We chat as we bob about and we get to know people we other wise wouldn’t have met. Then on the beach we gather for hot cof fee and cake! It’s such good craic, and embracing the cold has never been so much fun!
During lockdowns it’s been a bit dif ferent. Members pair up with a buddy and swim together. I can’t stress enough how impor tant it is to never swim alone. Nicole has outlined safety measures (right) if you fancy a dip.
A working mother, Nicole and her family run Morelli’s Ice Cream Parlour in
Por tstewar t – few can resist a cone of their delicious ice cream! Despite the demands of the business she manages a swim almost ever y day.
“It gives me energy and a calmness to cope with anything. If I’ve the confidence to throw of f my clothes and dive into the Atlantic, then the rest of the day is going to be a much easier ride!”
Always, always, have company with you, never swim alone even if you’re a strong swimmer.
Check the tides – an incoming tide is usually better. Check the weather and the state of the sea – if it’s rough and you’re in doubt, don’t go in.
A swimming hat keeps in a bit of heat in and bootees help if its stony.
There’s a few safety items to get:
– a float, which are bright orange so we can see you
– a whistle, as it’s hard to be heard shouting help.
A full length hooded towelling robe, although not essential, is great to have for coming out of the water as is a hot drink in a flask. And in winter maybe another flask of warm water to heat your hands and feet.
The big thing is to DO NOT GO ALONE, seek out one of the many open water swimming groups. And sure, isn’t it more fun to share the experience with friends and family?