Scots brave Storm Eowyn conditions to go swimming in freezing loch
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Two swimmers braved the open water in a chilly loch this morning to keep up a month-long challenge as Storm Éowyn swept across the UK.
The pair waded in to support a community mental health service despite the Met Office warning of ‘dangerous winds’ in parts of Scotland.
Another member of the Water Wavers group assured Metro that the swimmers were safe in the choppy water at Hillend Loch by Airdrie Angling Club in North Lanarkshire, which is currently subject to a Met Office red weather warning.
Colin Caruth, who is also co-director of challenge beneficiary Lanarkshire Counselling & CBT Centre CIC, said that the water is shallow and regularly used by the group.
The members are attempting to take a cold dip every day during January — with some also opting to use back garden ‘pods’ or take cold showers.
Colin explained that as well as raising money to allow people to access free mental health therapy that might otherwise be unavailable, unaffordable or subject to a long waiting list, the daily immersion brings physical and mental health benefits.
‘We know that loch really well and at the part we go in it’s not too deep, so they took a safe judgement to go into it,’ he said.
Colin, 62, from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, added: ‘The cold water is invigorating and the group has created a lot of friendships and a lot of bonding.
‘Going into the cold water is about being comfortable while being uncomfortable.
‘It does nip but for your mental and physical health it’s a game changer, which is why you see cold water therapy all over the place.’
More about the challenge can be found here
