When Kerry Dawson first started open water swimming five years ago, she had no idea how much of a positive change it was going to have on her life. At 42, just after the COVID19 pandemic, Kerry discovered cold water swimming. She discovered a passion for the sport and now spends her time training for long distance swims and coaching others to do the same.
The Unexpected Joy of Cold Water
Kerry originally started open water swimming without the expectation of it becoming such an important part of her life. However, overtime it became something that she does regularly, not just for fitness, but for her mind.
“Open water swimming, especially cold-water swimming, has helped my mental health no end. When my head feels chaotic, it allows me to completely switch off and immerse myself in nature. I always feel rejuvenated and refreshed after a swim and ready to take on the day.”
Initially Kerry began cold water swimming as a new way to stay active, however when her marriage abruptly ended, it became her therapy. She describes it as a way of meditation and a way to switch her brain off from her busy, everyday life.
“As a busy working, newly single mum of two, I found my peace in the stillness of the water.”
Kerry now uses her passion to inspire others to take the plunge. She found her strength in the water and wants to help others to do the same.
From Lakes to Long Distances
What first started as short, therapeutic swims gradually progressed into longer, endurance swimming. In 2022, Kerry completed her first marathon distance swim. Then, in 2023 she swam the length of the three longest lakes in England, Coniston, Ullswater and Windermere. A major milestone and a testament to how far she had come since those early lockdown swims.
“I was a pool swimmer as a teenager/young adult. However, exercise and time for myself became secondary to devoting myself to my children and my family. I’d been wanting to try open water swimming at my local lake for ages but was always ‘too busy’. After lockdown there were no more excuses left, and I was desperate to find something for myself. I didn’t immediately love it, but taking some time out for myself once a week became a great habit. Within weeks I started to see the benefits and had improved and started to really enjoy it and started pushing myself more.”
Not only that, but this month, Kerry also reached another milestone, swimming the English Channel as part of a relay team. A performance that not only marked a massive achievement but also conquered a great fear of hers.
However, that is not all for Kerry. She now has her eyes set on a solo Channel crossing in 2028, also being the year that she turns 50! She is continuing to train for this goal of hers but also inspiring others along the way. Sharing her story with an ever-growing community of swimmers and supporters online.
Sharing the Passion
Now dedicating her time in helping others with their own personal developments, Kerry has become a qualified open water swimming coach.
“I personally experienced the massive physical and mental health benefits of wild swimming and became as passionate about sharing that with others as I was doing it myself. So, I became an Open Water Swim coach so I could share the joy of open water swimming with others knowing I was giving the correct advice and recommendations.”
This is especially beneficial for women that may not see themselves as ‘sporty’ or has a lack of confidence due to age, fear or life circumstances. Having someone that people can relate to that is actively sharing their story and helping others is encouraging and supportive to those that need it.
Her story reflects everything that the ‘This Girl Can’ and the ‘Women and Girls Like Us’ campaigns stand for. Both of which celebrate real women, real stories, and the enjoyment of getting active in ways that work for you. Kerry shows that it is possible to try something new at any stage in life and that stepping outside your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding.
“It’s never too late to start something new, and whatever life throws at you it’s important to take time out for yourself. Life sometimes has a way of forcing us down a path that we did not choose, but embrace the journey, who knows where you may end up.”
Through simply taking a dip in the water she is now helping others discover the joy of open water swimming and its variety of health and wellbeing benefits. She’s proving that the water can be for everyone!
If you are curious about open water swimming and want to find out more about it, you can follow Kerry’s journey on Instagram at @Outdawsy. She is actively inspiring others to take their first step, or stroke towards trying out something new.
Kerry’s advice for anyone interested in starting is:
“Look for an organised open water swim venue in your area. These often have lifeguarded sessions or may even hold introductory group sessions with an open water swim coach (like the sessions I hold at Gosfield Lake). There may also be local swimming groups in your area”
Whether you’re looking for a new challenge, a way to boost your wellbeing, or simply want to try something different, Kerry’s story proves it’s never too late to dive in.
