We tried cold water swimming at Broadfields Wild Swimming

I, for one, would always prefer a hot bath over a cold shower and would choose a clean pool over an open water space that could be filled with sewage. 

Yet wild swimming is an activity that has been slowly growing in popularity and has built a community of people willing to travel miles just for a ten-minute splash.

But why?

I decided to see what the fuss was about and try Worcestershire's new cold-water swimming venue, which aims to keep swimmers safe from dirty water.

All the people taking part in the introduction session. (Image: Newsquest)Broadfields Wild Swimming and Wellbeing opened two weeks ago and proved so popular that many of its events sold out within days of being listed.

Jenny Thomas opened the venue to provide a swimming venue without the water pollution in rivers and lakes.

I had signed up for the venue's Introduction to Wild Swimming Course, a two-hour course led by Juliet Wallace-Mason, an open-water swimming coach representing team GB in Aquabike.

The first hour of the session covered safety procedures, what to expect with cold water swimming, and some of the benefits (one of which was a 'Joan Collins facelift').

COMMUNITY: Everyone on the course had instantly became friends. (Image: Newsquest)Then, it was time for the dip.

Frankly, I was terrified about how cold it would be.

Ms Wallace-Mason helped each individual dip into the water and breathe slowly and her guidance had really put me at ease.

Her kind words reassured me of how great I was doing, and regular checks made the initial shock—the 'this is really cold' feeling—go away within seconds.

If you have ever been by the side of the pool on holiday, you may often hear someone say: "It's alright once you get in."

Juliet Wallace-Mason helping me in the water. (Image: Newsquest)As annoying as it may be when someone makes this remark, the temperature was really alright once I got in.

Once I took the plunge, I instantly understood why so many people are drawn to wild swimming.

It was so peaceful.

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There is something magical about swimming in wild water surrounded by nature.

While in the water, I instantly felt my spirits lift and this continued when I left the water and had my complimentary tea and cake afterwards.

Several hours after my swim I  found my body moving better and in less pain.

I left the water not only feeling like a new person but feeling part of a new community.

One of which I look forward to seeing again during my next wild water swim.