Cold water swimming sessions for people living with cancer

In 2024, Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support group approached CHILL Dorset to collaborate on a new project to support local people with cancer.

Mary, the founder of the support group, is a keen cold water swimmer and has experienced its many benefits.

Working with CHILL Dorset, the group offers courses for people affected by cancer so they can try the activity.

William Verling continues: “CHILL provides a structured introduction to swimming in cold water. Our sessions are open to anyone, but we have run lessons for people with different health needs before.

"When we were approached by the support group, we saw a real opportunity to make a difference. I work as a paediatric consultant so I know the impact cancer can have. And as a cold water swimmer, I knew that these sessions could be beneficial to people who have gone through cancer treatment themselves or have had a loved one affected by Cancer."

With support from Macmillan’s funding grant, CHILL Dorset have run courses for people affected by cancer since January 2024.

William says: "The groups are made up of 8 to 10 people at a time and are led by a trained lifeguard and coaches. We spend a lot of time on education about beach and sea safety.

“Our coaches also teach participants about what they may experience from the cold water and breathing techniques to help them adjust to the temperature.”

Each lesson includes:

• an introduction with CHILL coaches
• theory session
• breathwork
• time spent in the water
• followed up by a time to socialise and warm up (often with cake and coffee too!)

As a lifelong swimmer, Macmillan Counsellor Ellie Ricketts, was inspired to offer people with cancer the opportunity to experience the benefits of cold water swimming.

Thanks to a grant from Macmillan, Ellie trained to become a CHILL coach. After completing her training, she launched a cold water swimming course in 2023 for people affected by cancer. It is run with CHILL and called Into the Blue.

As a Macmillan Counsellor, Ellie is aware of the wide impact of cancer. Many of these side effects are treated with medicine and talking therapies, but Ellie is aware of the growing research on the wellbeing benefits of cold water swimming.

Ellie says: “The water temperature is so arresting that when you go in, you can’t do anything but deal with the cold – everything else is left behind.

“What’s more, when people with cancer overcome their fears of going into the water, that courage transfers into the rest of their life.”

Similar to the programme in Dorset, the cold water swimming course runs for 8 weeks. People receive support by trained coaches and lifeguards.

Since the project launched in June 2023, it has helped dozens of people with cancer. Ellie has also used this opportunity to offer information to people, signpost them to other services with their GP, foodbanks or financial support.

Lesley was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer 10 years ago. She joined the programme last year.

She says: “Initially it was fun but has since become an activity that restores my soul, gives me courage, and tackles my emotional and physical turbulence head on.

“My cancer left me feeling alone at sea. But cold water swimming actually rescued me, whilst in the sea. It has had a profound impact on my physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.”

Ellie says: "Those that have finished the programme graduate into an ever growing community of cold water swimmers with cancer known as The Whole Shoal. We teach people all the skills and information needed to enter and swim in cold water - giving them the confidence to continue supporting themselves after the course."

If you are interested in finding out more about the cold water swimming sessions, visit the CHILL website. Or connect with CHILL South Devon and CHILL Dorset on Facebook.