Why I Swim: Lydia Paleschi

Co-Founder of Wild Swimming Cornwall - Lydia Paleschi

Words by Lydia Paleschi

I started Wild Swimming Cornwall during lockdown with my two friends Bethany and Max. You’ve probably come across each of us already in our social posts, but with the launch of our website this week I thought it was about time I introduced myself properly and shared with you all a bit about who I am.

First of all I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone following us on our wild swimming journey so far and for all of the support. Things have taken off much quicker than expected and we have already connected with so many amazing people through Wild Swimming Cornwall. Community is one of the three core elements we have each found that wild swimming provides us with (the other two being self-care and building an affinity with nature) and it is exciting to see such a positive response already. We can’t wait to see how this community continues to grow over the coming months, and to meet more of you as the lockdown restrictions lift.

Wild swimming in the Helford River

Wild swimming, and in particular, getting into the sea, is an incredibly important part of my life. Whilst I’ve always loved swimming, it has only been during the last couple of years that I have realised how immense the benefits are and how integral it is to my wellbeing. After struggling with my mental health from the age of nine and spending years trying various talking therapies, prescription medication and substance abuse, wild swimming has been an instrumental part of my journey to becoming a healthy and functioning adult. I spent my early twenties in particular trapped in a cycle of fear, insecurity and inner turmoil that left me quitting my job in London and moving into my mums house in Cornwall.

I found myself in a position where endless amounts of panic attacks and desperate attempts to reduce my anxiety levels led to me trying to control every aspect of my life. I cut out anything that I thought may be anxiety inducing, even caffeine and prescription medication, until I was eventually so fearful that I was unable to leave the house for months. I felt alone, isolated and unsure of where to turn. Wild swimming has been a way for me to overcome this crippling anxiety, depression and agoraphobia. It has got me to a place where I’ve been able to take up psychotherapy, build my confidence, improve my mental and physical resilience and to form incredible friendships.

Community is one of the three core elements that wild swimming provides us with

The idea of Wild Swimming Cornwall came to me when I wanted to invest more of my time into cold water swimming and to use it as an opportunity to well and truly scour the county. I realised that there was no central place for information on safety, locations and the health benefits of open water swimming in Cornwall, despite it being surrounded by water. This, combined with the fact many of us aren’t taught about ocean safety or taken outdoor swimming at school, made me realise that it made sense why so many local people, including my family, weren’t spending more time in the sea. I realised that if this information was readily available, more people might be tempted to give it a go and to enjoy the positive effects of wild swimming.

As long as you are able to swim, there are very few barriers to wild swimming. We are able to access the ocean at any time free of charge and people who find it difficult to participate in other activities due to injury, disability, finances or anything else, may find it easier to access wild swimming as a means of exercising and connecting with others. This is one of the reasons I am passionate about promoting it; as a means to helping us to build a healthier and happier community. Sometimes life can be overwhelming, as our anxieties, responsibilities and worries weigh us down. Wild swimming provides us with the opportunity to lessen the burdens of life by improving our psychological and physical health and forging and strengthening relationships along the way. It is a simple act of self-care that enables us to connect with what is real and integral to our being, bringing us back to the present moment. Rather than leaning on unhealthy habits like addiction or relying on others, we can find solace in the water. Like many things in life, with wild swimming it’s all about showing up. Showing up to do something good for ourselves is one of the most powerful tools we can have in our arsenal and by starting with something as simple as a swim, this can then be replicated and applied to other areas of our lives.

Showing up to do something good for ourselves is one of the most powerful tools we can have in our arsenal

For anyone who wants to know more about wild swimming or wild swimming groups that are operating across Cornwall I encourage you to get in touch via social media or wildswimmingcornwall@gmail.com.

Love and warm wishes,

Lydia xxxxx