The number of people sea swimming around Ireland continues to grow.
Sea swimming is a growing and popular pastime for many trying to beat the winter blues and the pressures of the pandemic. More people than ever who swam through the summer months have continued to take the plunge even as air and water temperatures have dropped.
Even though there was ice on the ground, the sea was just like silk.
Madeline Doherty swims in the sea every day at Sandycove in Dublin and continues through the cold winter months.
Another sea swimmer Louisa Hall decribes it as a kind of mindfulness that brings her complete and utter calmness.
Many swimmers are taking part in a nationwide winter sea challenge. Ger Kennedy, 40 Foot Walruses Swimming Club, explains how each individual has been set a weekly or monthly challenge, which provides people with a focus during the pandemic lockdowns.
While Water Safety Ireland welcomes the surge in interest in sea swimming it reminds people to always follow safety guidelines and public health advice.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 27 January 2021. The reporter is Philip Bromwell.
