Sea Swimming programme makes a positive splash for mental health

A pilot sea swimming programme developed by HSE South West Adult Mental Health Services has helped participants build confidence, connect with others and support their mental health through regular sea swimming sessions in nature.

The Sea-renity Swimmers group recently completed a successful 10-week pilot programme at Cuskinny Beach, Cobh. Held every Thursday evening, the initiative brought together mental health service users to take part in guided sea swimming sessions in a safe and supportive environment.

The programme was developed after staff learned about the positive impact similar community-based initiatives were having by combining cold-water swimming, meaningful activity and time spent outdoors to support mental health recovery.

Working in partnership with Swim Ireland, funding was secured to provide a qualified swim coach and lifeguard for each session. This allowed participants to develop their swimming skills while also benefiting from therapeutic activities designed to promote wellbeing, resilience and social connection.

Over the 10-week programme, participants built strong relationships and a sense of community. Such was the success of the initiative that the group continues to meet independently since the pilot concluded.

The programme is open to people engaged with HSE South West Adult Mental Health Services. Any future groups will be organised by the mental health services team, and participants will be contacted directly.

Maria Moran, General Manager for HSE South West said:

“The Sea-renity Swimmer’s pilot showed the value of creating opportunities for people to connect with others, spend time in nature and take part in meaningful activities that support their recovery. We are delighted to see the friendships and sense of community that developed during the programme continue beyond the pilot itself.”

Morgan Haughn, Occupational Therapist and Sea-renity Swimmers Programme Co-facilitator, HSE South West Adult Mental Health Services said:

"It was so wonderful to be able to step beyond the clinical setting, into an outdoor environment that truly let participants engage in a meaningful activity like sea-swimming. For some participants, sea-swimming was something they had never considered before. It took courage to take that first step, but week by week people challenged themselves, developed new skills and discovered strengths they may not have realised they had. Watching participants take pride in what they achieved over the 10 weeks was truly inspiring”

Jessika Zebo, Social Worker and Sea-renity Swimmers Programme Co-facilitator, HSE South West Adult Mental Health Services said:

“One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme was seeing participants grow in confidence week by week. What started as a pilot project became much more than a swimming group. People encouraged each other, shared experiences and built lasting connections. We are delighted that the group has continued beyond the programme, demonstrating the positive impact that meaningful activity, nature and community can have on mental wellbeing.”