Why open water swimming matters to midlife women

Researchers at the University of East London have published a new study examining how middle-aged, middle-class British women describe the effects of regular open water swimming on their wellbeing, including its impact on symptoms of menopause. 

The research, published in the European Journal of Ecopsychology, uses in-depth interviews to understand women’s own accounts of swimming in outdoor water and how they feel it supports their lives.

The study looks at the patterns that emerged when women talked about what open water swimming meant to them. Across the interviews, four themes appeared consistently:

• Women reported noticeable relief from menopausal symptoms. Although menopause was never introduced by the researchers, several participants volunteered that cold water and the routine of swimming helped them feel calmer, more emotionally balanced and more in control during a major life transition.
• Women felt it supported their mental well-being. Many described a clear “reset” effect, a lift in mood, more energy and an increased sense of what their bodies could do, all expressed in their own terms.
• Women spoke about health, strength and resilience. Participants said the experience of swimming outdoors helped them feel more capable and better able to deal with difficult moments, including bereavement, illness and daily stress.
• Women valued connection and confidence. Interviewees emphasised the community around the lake and said that the confidence and clarity they gained often carried over into work, relationships and everyday decision-making.

This is the first qualitative study to examine open water swimming through “flourishing”, a recognised psychological framework, and participants’ accounts aligned closely with its components.

Mr James Beale, lead author and Programme Leader for the MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology at the University of East London, said:

“We are seeing a major shift in women taking up open water swimming, and many are now speaking openly about how it connects to menopause.

“Until now, this discussion has been largely anecdotal. Our study shows that women repeatedly link outdoor swimming with emotional steadiness, confidence and coping during this stage of life. That points to an emerging area of women’s health that deserves greater attention.”

The study, entitled ‘I’ve never come out of the water wishing I hadn’t got in’: A deductive investigation into the impact of open water swimming on flourishing in middle-aged, middle-class British females, appears in the European Journal of Ecopsychology. 

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