Cold comfort for women who swim in chilly waters

STUDY SUGGESTS SWIMS CAN ALLEVIATE SYMPTOMS RELATED TO MENOPAUSE

WOMEN who swim in the cold waters off Plymouth are getting a huge health benefit, according to a new report.

Cold water swimming could help alleviate the physical and mental symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, anxiety and mood swings, according to the study.

Those who swam for longer intervals or swam more regularly reported greater benefits, researchers said. The survey of 1,114 women who regularly swam in cold water was conducted by academics from University College London (UCL).

The report comes after Plymouth's Firestone Bay was designated an official bathing area following a campaign by local Labour MP Luke Pollard. The waters off Devil's Point as well as the Hoe are becoming increasingly popular with swimmers all year round. Wild swimming at locations including Dartmoor is also growing in popularity.