COLD WATER swimming enthusiasts from in and around Teignmouth came together for a joint swimming session in the wintery waters.

The session was spearheaded by Pete Wilby, a triathlon and open water swimming coach from Teignmouth, whose coaching business ‘PeteWilbyTriathlOn’ has seen the University of Exeter alumni work with clients from across the country and all over the world.

Pete has recently partnered with Devon Recovery Learning Community (DRLC), a Recovery College provided by Devon Partnership NHS Trust to promote mental health and well-being.

Those attending a typical cold water swimming session host by Pete and his team are pre-prepared with a cold water fact sheet and instructed on everything necessary to bring such as a towel, dry robe, suitable clothing to change in and out of, warm drink, hot water bottle and wet suit.

This is then followed by a quick ten minute lesson on the basics of staying safe in cold water and a pre-swim warm up on Teignmouth’s beloved beach. Swimmers can either swim a coached swim training session, focusing n technique, endurance, speed and skill or can remain within the marked out course, bear the cold and socialise with fellow swimmers.

Cold water swimming, or wild swimming as it is sometimes referred, is an increasingly popular pastime for people across the globe given the benefits, both physical and mental, that subjecting one’s body to cold water for prolonged periods of time.

The next session is scheduled for 12.30pm on February 19 with the group set to meet in front of the ice cream kiosk dubbed locally as the ‘witches hat’ just a little way north of the pier off Den Promenade Street, Teignmouth.

For those looking to come along the session costs £9, however the session is free for those getting involved via the DRLC.

Moving forward Pete hopes to hold fortnightly cold water swimming sessions throughout next winter and beyond and he and his team are looking forward to welcoming both first-time and veteran swimmers.