Dive In: Why Our Wild Waters Need Us this October
Our seas, rivers and lakes are life-giving. They boost our mood, connect us to nature, fuel adventure, and create memories that last a lifetime. But pollution and neglect are threatening these precious spaces. You may have seen the recent news around the Independent Water Commission that was recently announced (the biggest review into the water sector in 30 years since privatisation). The report includes some positive recommendations towards improving the broken system, but still fails to address the fundamental and systemic issue: water companies are still being allowed to profit from pollution. We won’t stop demanding that people & planet come before profit, to put an end to sewage pollution. But to do this, we need your help.
Dip a Day in October is a great way to take positive action by raising ocean-saving funds to give back & protect the waters you love, all whilst having heaps of fun with a likeminded and energised community of water lovers whilst doing so.
Sign up for Dip a Day and make your own memories and positive ocean-saving impact.
Meet some of our amazing dippers:
How cold water dips changed Tom’s life
When Tom – founder of Blueballs – took his first icy plunge into Porthtowan Tidal Pool one freezing December morning in 2020, he didn’t just get cold – he felt alive. “Unbeknown at the time, but this dip changed my life. I came out absolutely buzzing and wanting more. For me, cold water is an extremely positive coping mechanism.”
“When you’re in the cold water, you can’t think of any of the anxieties… you can only think ‘I’m cold’. It centers you and brings you into the moment. If someone said to me 5 years ago that I’d be talking about my feelings, I would have laughed at the thought. Getting into wild swimming completely de-stigmatised that. It broke down those barriers. You find yourself surrounded by likeminded people, and it took me away from being surrounded by self-destructive behaviors. No one’s worried about what you look like or what you’re wearing when you’re in nature.”
10-year-old Keynvor’s mighty mission to fight pollution
Then there’s Keynvor. Just ten years old when he took on Dip a Day in 2023. He took on the challenge with daily cold dips, and though sewage-polluted beaches sometimes forced him to improvise (think buckets instead of the sea), his spirit never wavered. “Some people go a whole lifetime without doing anything like this… I’ve raised over a £1,000 for something so important,” he said, grinning with pride. His challenge grew beyond personal triumph, it was a stand against the pollution robbing coastlines of clean water and joy. His videos even called out South West Water, putting pressure on polluters through sheer honesty and youthful courage.
I want to make positive change
Annie’s fancy dress cold water dips
If you need proof that creativity can raise spirits, raise funds, and make a positive impact, look no further than Annie Chambers. In 2022, Annie used fancy dress to turn dips into theatre: Benny Hill theme runs, Willy Wonka hats, Wonder Woman capes, inflatable crocodiles—and yes, singing the Black Beauty theme while running down the beach. Each video hooked onlookers, strangers donated, and she ultimately raised £1,340. For Annie, the sea is both a sanctuary and a source of injustice, poisoned by water companies that “rob people of this joy.” Still, dipping every day delivered calm, reduced her shoulder pain with cold-water’s anti-inflammatory magic, and connected her with a vibrant, intergenerational community of fellow swimmers. Read more about Annie’s story here
Why Take the Plunge This October?
Dip a Day isn’t just another fundraiser – it’s a positive force of people power for good. To take radical action of reclaiming our wild waters by dipping in them daily whilst raising vital ocean-saving funds.
- For your own wellbeing. The physical benefits are real: short-term cold stress releases dopamine, serotonin and beta-endorphins, boosts immunity, may help with rheumatism or depression. And being immersed in nature multiplies the wellbeing impact.
- Community connection. Join thousands of likeminded & creative water lovers this October: cheering you on, sharing stories, costumes, high-fives, and purpose.
- Do it your way. Take the plunge in any form of cold water that’s safe and accessible for you. From a garden tub, cold shower, or your local wild water spot!
- Get some goodies! You’ll be supported with a welcome pack including a free swim cap, t-shirt, challenge tracker & tips.
- For the ocean. Because cold-water joy shouldn’t be stolen by pollution. This is your chance to fight back in a fun and positive way, and help fund solutions. Every penny raised funds critical ocean-saving work.
The ocean gives us so much. Dive in and return the favour.