People who swim in the sea experience benefits to their overall mood and physical wellbeing, a new study by researchers at the University of Limerick’s School of Medicine has found.
Others claimed that their immunity had improved as a result of their dips in cold water, and that they were now less susceptible to colds and flus. Psychological benefits were also widely reported.“Cold-water swimming is a popular activity enjoyed by a variety of individuals and has a particularly strong following along the west coast of Ireland in both rural and urban settings,” the authors noted.
“Exposing the body to cold temperature has been used by cultures all around the world since ancient times as a form of health intervention,” they added. The authors of the study published in the latest issue of the Irish Medical Journal said three main themes had emerged regarding the perceived benefits of cold-water swimming: transforming mood, impact on the physical form, and community engagement.