Why I swim: Seana Smith

From the thrill of Scottish dips to a deep love of ocean swimming, author Seana Smith shares her connection with water

Tell us about your new book and why we will love it?

Everyone loves a redemption story. My book is about the year when I stopped drinking alcohol. It starts in January with me flying from Australia back to Scotland to sit with my mother as she was dying. After her funeral I fly back and, as the months pass, I get into a terrible mental health mess and am boozing more and more. But at the end of November, miracle, I do stop drinking.

There is a lot about my childhood in Scotland, about my dad’s alcoholism and domestic violence and about mother’s story too. Also, humour!

And there are pieces about swimming too, about my love of ocean swimming in Australia and of chilly dipping done in Scotland.

What did writing the book teach you?

Writing a book takes years and the process was very beneficial. I learned how to let go of the past, to truly live in the present and to turn towards the future with a new sense of self.

How is swimming part of your life?

Swimming is a big part of my life. I find sea swimming both adventurous and cathartic, and I jump into the ocean whenever I am at the coast. The gorgeous rock pools of Sydney and the NSW coast are also my happy place, even if some do have blue ringed octopus lurking in them. Where I live is inland, so the stunning 50 metre outdoor pool is where I swim and escape the heat of summer.

Have you always enjoyed swimming?

Yes. As children in Edinburgh, my parents took us kids to Portobello Pool, a Victorian gem at the seaside. At school we joined a swimming club and raced up and down the local pool.

What is your favourite type of swim today?

The best swims are the sea, in a group of swimmers. Some people in Australia do swim alone, but it’s much safer in a group. I’ve never heard of anyone who was swimming in a group being taken by a shark whereas there have been several people taken when swimming alone.

My favourite Sydney swim is the daily 7am swim from Manly to Shelly Beach. This area is an aquatic reserve and the sea life is magnificent, with dusky whaler sharks, wobbegongs, blue gropers and even the odd turtle.

Which is better for swimming, Scotland or Australia?

Scotland for the bracing thrills. Australia for long, long swims with no wetsuit.

What advice do you have for people who move countries?

Don’t be surprised when you feel a huge range of emotions, sometimes all at once. I describe myself as having ‘immigrant gratitude and emigrant regret.’

How do you tackle homesickness?

I chatter to my little sister on the telephone a lot, and I love to see my friends’ photos on social media.

Do you have a piece of everyday wisdom?

Life is all about friends and family and love, so focus on those because not much else matters. Except swimming, maybe that’s self love.

Seana Smith’s book ‘Going Under: A memoir of family secrets, addiction and escape’ (Ventura Press 2024) is out now, available worldwide on Amazon and Audible.