Can Sea Swimming Help Young People with Mental Health Challenges?
Yes, according to this qualitative study from Ireland. Young people in mental health services reported improved well-being, increased confidence, and a greater sense of social connection after participating in sea swimming. Staff members acknowledged the risks but emphasized the importance of positive risk-taking given the benefits.
About one-third of young people experience some degree of psychological distress, and 13% experience emotional or mental distress. The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse, with lockdowns and school closures increasing isolation, anxiety, and depression among youth. Researchers in Ireland wanted to understand whether sea swimming could help.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This study gives voice to young people themselves, which I find valuable. They describe sea swimming not just as exercise but as a transformative experience that helped them face challenges. The comparison between entering cold water and their recovery journey is powerful. While this is qualitative research rather than a controlled trial, it suggests sea swimming deserves further study as an intervention for youth mental health.
Study Design
Researchers from Ireland interviewed 14 participants: 8 young people receiving services from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and 6 staff members. They used reflexive thematic analysis to identify patterns in the interviews.
Five Key Themes
The researchers identified five themes from the interviews:
1. Young people preferred sea swimming over other therapies. This was an important finding. When young people find an intervention appealing, they’re more likely to engage with it consistently.
2. Enhanced sense of well-being. Young people reported feeling better after sea swimming, and importantly, this feeling lasted beyond the swimming session itself.
3. Leaving the comfort zone. Participants related the challenge of entering cold water to their recovery journey. Learning to push through discomfort in one area helped them face challenges in other areas of life.
4. Social connection. Sea swimming created a sense of belonging and community among participants. This social aspect may be as important as the physical effects of cold water.
5. Staff perspectives on risk. Staff acknowledged that open sea swimming carries risks but emphasized that the benefits justified positive risk-taking.
Why Young People Like Sea Swimming
The study found several reasons why young people engaged with sea swimming more readily than other therapies:
- It feels different from traditional mental health treatment
- The natural environment provides an escape from daily stressors
- The cold water demands full attention, providing a break from anxious thoughts
- The group setting reduces isolation
- Accomplishing something challenging builds confidence
Connection to Nature
Immersing in the sea appears to create a profound connection with the natural world. Participants described synchronizing their movements with the water and feeling part of something larger than themselves. This shift in perspective may help young people see their problems differently.
Previous research with adults found similar benefits: feelings of being alive, energetic, elated, calm, and relaxed. Some adults described the experience as life-changing.
Prior Research with Youth
One earlier study by Gardiner and colleagues involved four young people with low-level anxiety and mood difficulties. They reported a 15% improvement in emotional well-being following a sea swimming intervention. The researchers called for more research with this population.
Practical Takeaways
- Sea swimming may appeal to young people who don’t engage well with traditional therapies
- The combination of cold water challenge and social connection appears to be beneficial
- Safety considerations are important but shouldn’t prevent exploration of this intervention
- Mental health services might consider sea swimming as part of their offerings
Related Studies and Research
- Related Podcast Episode
- Systematic review/meta-analysis: postexercise CWI and resistance training adaptations
- ‘Autonomic conflict’: cardiac arrhythmias during cold-water immersion
- Physiology, Diving Reflex (NCBI Bookshelf)
- Cold water swimming as an add-on treatment for depression (review/feasibility summary)
FAQs
Is sea swimming safe for young people with mental health challenges?
The study’s staff members acknowledged the risks but emphasized positive risk-taking. Any sea swimming program should include proper supervision, safety training, and assessment of individual capabilities.
How does sea swimming compare to other interventions?
In this study, young people expressed a preference for sea swimming over other therapies. However, this doesn’t mean it should replace established treatments. It may work best as an addition to standard care.
How often should young people swim?
The study doesn’t specify an optimal frequency. Programs should start gradually and adjust based on individual responses and preferences.
Bottom Line
This qualitative study from Ireland provides encouraging evidence that sea swimming may benefit young people with mental health challenges. Participants reported improved well-being, enhanced confidence, and stronger social connections. They related the challenge of entering cold water to their broader recovery journey. While more rigorous research is needed, this study suggests that child and adolescent mental health services should consider sea swimming as a potential intervention. The fact that young people prefer it over other therapies is particularly significant, as engagement is often the biggest barrier to effective treatment.
