How the Watchtower Waders kept growing and growing. By MARCUS STEAD:
When Alison Woolcock and four of her work colleagues at the Vale Council set up a wild swimming group, they only intended it to be a way of giving them something to enjoy during the Covid lockdowns.
Two years later, the Watchtower Waders have around 40 regular cold water swimmers, with participation levels sometimes reaching 100, and more than 1,400 people are members of its Facebook group.
As the group’s popularity grew, they arranged several charity fundraisers, and now they are embarking on their most ambitious project to date as they bare all for a calendar that will be released in the run-up to Christmas.
Alison has been astonished with the way the group has grown: “It began as a way of giving me and four female work colleagues something to do during the long months of lockdown when everywhere was shut.
“Going cold water swimming in Watchtower Bay was something we could do in a socially distanced way at a time when swimming pools were closed.
“But people passing by could see us and would wonder what we were up to. Inevitably, the word spread, and now we have male and female members, from teenagers to Margaret Thomas, who at 93 is our oldest member,” she said.
In recent years, medical professionals have taken increasing interest in wild swimming as a means of treating depression and anxiety.
Case studies have shown that immersing the body in cold water boosts dopamine levels and increases the release of endorphins, which are sometimes called ‘happy hormones’.
Once the body acclimatises to the cold water, the ‘happy hormones’ are released, leading to feelings of euphoria, and people who take part in wild swimming often report feeling the positive effects for days afterwards.
Furthermore, ecotherapy, namely being outdoors and connecting with nature has a proven, positive impact on mental wellbeing.
Alison says that a non-judgemental approach has been a key ingredient in the group’s success: “Our members come in all shapes and sizes, some have significant difficulties in their lives, while others came to us simply because they were looking for a new hobby.
“We’re all about building up people’s confidence and supporting one another.
“Everything we do is about people feeling part of a group, feeling safe, feeling secure, and pushing our boundaries a little bit,” she said.
Alison is in no doubt that wild swimming has helped improve the mental health of many Watchtower Waders members. She said: “I have seen definite improvements to people’s mental health. Their confidence has grown, and their anxiety has lessened.”
Charity fundraising has become a major part of the group’s activities. The Watchtower Waders raised £750 for Velindre Cancer Care in memory of Paul Whitmarsh, whose widow Laura is part of the group.
Another event saw them raise £750 for the British Liver Trust in honour of one of their members whose husband is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
The Watchtower Waders calendar is their most daring charity fundraiser to date, and Alison is thoroughly enjoying the project: “We’re having great fun putting this calendar together – some of our members were desperate to get their clothes off!
“The photography is very skilful so that it remains in good taste, but lots of people were looking at us and wondering what on earth we were doing revealing our bottoms!
“But there’s a serious side to it. We’re raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in memory of one of our member’s wives, who died from the terrible condition, as well as for Kidney Wales to help with their important work,” she said.
The Watchtower Waders have diversified into other cold water activities, including surfing, which has been a hit with many members, including 75-year-old Gaynor Norman.
Marilyn Hampson, a recent recruit to the group, says that taking part in its activities has made an enormous, positive difference to her life: “I have found a group of really friendly people who meet regularly to swim at high tide in Watchtower Bay.
“We are a real mix of ages, backgrounds, life experience not to mention shapes and sizes.
“I have greatly appreciated their friendship since joining the group and wear the Watchtower Waders badge with pride,” she said.
To learn more about the group, please search for the Watchtower Waders on Facebook or Instagram.
🌟This article first appeared in the printed edition of the Glamorgan Star on 11.08.22. Read it in print first!
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