Marine Moments

The marine environment provides the backdrop to my every day and is a key to my mental and physical health. I felt that I just had to participate in the Dip a Day Challenge facilitated by Surfers Against Sewage.

The reason for trying to complete the challenge of dipping into cold water every day for a month was clear on Day One of the Dip a Day Challenge – I couldn’t swim in the sea because the sewers had been opened to release effluent and the coastal waters were too polluted to swim in. This is what I am dipping to try to stop!

There are very few places around the UK safe to cold water swim this morning:

There is a big pile of poo on the beach where I swim:

“Westward Ho! has been affected by sewage discharge, discharged from a sewer overflow 20.48 on 29/09/2024.” reports the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) app.

This has to stop!

There must be a way of treating effluent in a more effective way!

What’s the Pollution Problem?

“The sheer volume of pollution entering our water means the UK consistently ranks as one of the worst European countries for coastal water quality. Meanwhile, only 14% of our rivers warrant ‘good’ ecological status.” (SOS)

A Different Kind of Dip

Rather than heading out to the beach and the churning waves of effluent, I turned on the shower and twisted the dial as far as it would go towards the ‘cold’. Reluctantly I inched nearer towards the cascading water, holding out a hand to feel the size of my challenge. It was much less scenic, less interesting and not half as much fun as inching into the sea; this was just plain, boring and horrible!

However, taking a deep breath to get it over and done with I plunged in. The cold made me gasp, but I stayed under the waterfall, at first clenching up against the iciness. But then, I thought I ought to do what I do in the sea and try to relax into the chill. As the cold fizzed on my skin I could really feel the water in a way I don’t usually notice. Lots of clear, clean water. I felt privileged to experience this shower as my dread turned to pleasure.

I usually have hot showers and I was struck by the effect of reversing the process. Normally I huddle under the delicious heat, flinching away as cool drafts from ‘outside the shower’ tease. I would get out of the shower and wrap myself securely in a towel to fend off the comparative chill. However, as I adjusted to the cold today, warmth in the surrounding room lapped at the edges allowing me to relax further under the water. When I finally got out, I was warmed and comforted by the bathroom – and I could still see in the mirror as it hadn’t steamed up!

If you also appreciate the clear, clear water running from our taps but feel that we also have the right to clear and clean water in our rivers and seas please let your local MP know. Lobby them to make sure that the new government pass effective laws to enforce the protection of our coastal waters.

A BIG thank you to those who have sponsored my Dips. All the funds will I believe help make a difference – and your support will keep me motivated throughout the month.