THE WILD SWIMMING GROUP
‘You strip off more than just your clothes’
Claire Walker, 47, is the founder of wild swimming group Lake Swimming Ladies. She lives in the Lake District with husband Stephen and their children Chloe, 23, Hannah, 21, and James, ten.
As a child I loved swimming and the colder the water, the better. But after having children, I lost all confidence and no longer wanted to swim. After James was born, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-danlos syndrome and fibromyalgia. My health deteriorated and I developed depression. Four years ago, I joined a yoga class, hoping it would soothe my aching joints. The instructor, Shelly, noticed that I smiled whenever she talked about water. She asked if I swam. ‘No one should see my body in a swimsuit,’ I replied.
Shelly insisted we meet at the river at 7am the next morning and warned if I didn’t turn up, she’d come knocking at my door! I went along reluctantly, but as soon as I submerged myself in the icy water, I remembered how happy swimming made me.
After that, I joined a group of regular swimmers from our village twice a week. It took a few months to realise no one was judging me just because I’m a larger lady with cellulite.
Others asked if they could join us, so I set up Lake Swimming Ladies on Instagram. Now our ‘swim family’ meets at least twice a week and I host a mental health swim session once a month too. I’m the organiser, Sheila and Emily bring cake, and Janis provides the giggles.
I’ve found stripping off in front of other people so cathartic. You strip off more than just your clothes, leading to raw friendships where your true self is exposed and welcomed. The water is a safe place to cry, shout, swear and scream, because what happens in the water stays in the water. The camaraderie makes it feel like we’re an army unit. And nothing beats homemade cakes once we’re back on dry land.
✢ Find Claire on Instagram @lakeswimmingladies and @mentalhealthswimswindermere
‘I realised no one was judging me’