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Lindy Woodrow shared these photos of South Shields Sea Swimmers showing members who met at Little Haven during the first lockdown, initially calling themselves the Groyne Herd. She added: "The cold water was tremendous for our mental health and we formed strong friendships. The group is Norma Thompson, Sarah Thorell, Helen Collins, Alison Symonds and me."Lindy Woodrow shared these photos of South Shields Sea Swimmers showing members who met at Little Haven during the first lockdown, initially calling themselves the Groyne Herd. She added: "The cold water was tremendous for our mental health and we formed strong friendships. The group is Norma Thompson, Sarah Thorell, Helen Collins, Alison Symonds and me."
Lindy Woodrow shared these photos of South Shields Sea Swimmers showing members who met at Little Haven during the first lockdown, initially calling themselves the Groyne Herd. She added: "The cold water was tremendous for our mental health and we formed strong friendships. The group is Norma Thompson, Sarah Thorell, Helen Collins, Alison Symonds and me."

South Shields swimmers share photos of sea dips as they celebrate success of friendship group

Cold toes and warm smiles are celebrated in these photos as passionate swimmers share their love of the sea.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 17th Jul 2021, 04:55 BST
Updated 17th Jul 2021, 13:44 BST

We asked members of the South Shields Sea Swimmers group if they would like to help spread the word about the sessions and what heading into the waves for a dip means to them.

Here, they explain in their own words the joy it has brought them.

The club’s social sessions are held at 9am each Saturday at Little Haven Beach, with members gathering shortly before at the steps closest to the Weebles artworks.

Anyone who would like to join in should wear a costume, while others feel warmer and more comfortable in a wet suit, and they can take towel and warm clothing for afterwards.

It’s also a good idea to pack a hot drink for after.

A mix of people get involved, from people just in for a bob to those training for triathlons, with new comers advised to find someone to match their ability as they head for the water.

For more information join the group’s page on Facebook.

The club’s social sessions are held at 9am each Saturday at Little Haven Beach, with members gathering shortly before at the steps closest to the Weebles artworks.

Rachel Grant shared this photo of her in the sea while on holiday in Cornwall and regularly swims at Little Haven. She said: "I'm not a strong swimmer and I'm scared of waves but I absolutely love having a dip in the sea."

5. Holiday adventure

Rachel Grant shared this photo of her in the sea while on holiday in Cornwall and regularly swims at Little Haven. She said: "I'm not a strong swimmer and I'm scared of waves but I absolutely love having a dip in the sea." Photo: Rachel Grant

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Dianne Hunter started joining in the sessions recently and said: "I love the wonderfully kind people in this group, the support and the sea. When you're swimming the well being feeling is second to none, it's amazing (and yes I have now ditched the wetsuit... well sometimes.)"

6. Kindness wins

Dianne Hunter started joining in the sessions recently and said: "I love the wonderfully kind people in this group, the support and the sea. When you're swimming the well being feeling is second to none, it's amazing (and yes I have now ditched the wetsuit... well sometimes.)" Photo: Dianne Hunter

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Bridget Lawson shared this photo and said: "We have been training here for our Tyne to Triomphe challenge, which includes cycling from Newcastle to Dover, swimming the channel and the running to Arc de Triomphe - that's now Stonehenge because of Covid."

7. In training

Bridget Lawson shared this photo and said: "We have been training here for our Tyne to Triomphe challenge, which includes cycling from Newcastle to Dover, swimming the channel and the running to Arc de Triomphe - that's now Stonehenge because of Covid." Photo: Bridget Lawson

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Deborah Simpson said: "I joined the Facebook group about two or three weeks ago but not had a chance to swim with the group yet. My husband and I have been sea swimming at Little Haven and loved it completely. We’ve also swam off isle of Arran and Seaham - we hope to meet the group at some point."

8. Ready to join in

Deborah Simpson said: "I joined the Facebook group about two or three weeks ago but not had a chance to swim with the group yet. My husband and I have been sea swimming at Little Haven and loved it completely. We’ve also swam off isle of Arran and Seaham - we hope to meet the group at some point." Photo: Deborah Simpson

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