October in the open water community

Mental Health Swims announces new Swim Together partnerships and NOWCA reveals how you can start your open water journey at any time of life

NOWCA: Getting started at 50: an open water swimming journey, by Nilmini Francis

If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be plunging into cold, unpredictable waters, I’d have laughed. I loved pool swimming as a child, but the vast, dark docks of London seemed terrifying. Yet as I approached 50, I thought: why not try? That first summer swim was nerve-wracking, I was scared stiff, but I emerged exhilarated. From that moment, I was hooked.

Now I swim three times a week in summer, and all through winter when the London Royal Docks are open. I’ve even braved water below 10°C, completing two seasons of NOWCA’s Sub10 Club – something I never dreamed possible. Each stroke is a reminder that I can still challenge myself, still do things that once felt impossible.

The rewards are huge. Open water has carried me through tough times, sharpened my resilience, and introduced me to a wonderful community of swimmers. There’s magic in the camaraderie, in watching birds skim the surface, in feeling part of something wilder than the everyday.

It isn’t without risks, but with respect and preparation, it’s pure freedom. Every time I climb out, cheeks flushed and heart soaring, I feel stronger, braver, and more alive than ever. My advice to those who want to get started? It’s never too late, respect the water, start small, and be ready to fall in love with it.

Read Nilmini’s full story on the NOWCA Wild app.

Mental Health Swims: New Swim Together partnerships in Aberdeen and Birmingham

We are thrilled to announce two exciting new partnerships bringing our Swim Together peer support groups indoors to Aberdeen and Birmingham. These collaborations mark a significant step in making mental health support through swimming more accessible.

In Aberdeen, we’ve teamed up with Sport Aberdeen to launch monthly Swim Together sessions at Get Active @ Northfield. Starting on the first Thursday of each month, these indoor swims offer a calm, welcoming space for individuals living with mental ill health to connect and recharge.

“We’re passionate about making physical activity accessible to everyone,” says Dianne Breen, Coached Programmes Manager at Sport Aberdeen. “This initiative encourages more people to experience the many benefits of getting in the water.”

Meanwhile, in Birmingham, our partnership with Birmingham Community Leisure Trust will bring Swim Together to both Ladywood and Northfield Leisure Centres. “This partnership strengthens our role as a community hub where people can feel safe, supported, and connected,” says Yasmin Hussain from the Trust. “It’s a meaningful step forward in supporting mental wellbeing through movement and community.”