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Numbers issued; nails clipped; hats provided; tattoos applied; and jewellery removed. A crowd gathers to observe as the numbers are recited and the last footsteps on dry land are reluctantly taken. I have been asked to write about why I make time to participate in open water swimming and it is in those very moments before a race when my feet touch the water that I also ask myself the same question. However, the answer is usually found during or after the experience.
With a renewed interest in open water swimming this past season I have found myself swimming in the sea; lakes; and a range of outdoor pools and lidos (both heated and unheated, developing a strong preference for the former).
I find that open water and outdoor swimming provides a space where the world stops and the beauty of the surroundings can be absorbed. Likewise, it offers the personal satisfaction of training for and competing in events.
By entering some races this year, it has also provided me with some much-needed motivation to get back in the water consistently (much like a deadline does!). Whilst admittedly it can be difficult to know what the week has in store professionally when it begins, it has prompted me to try and manage my time so that I can fit in training. This has been helped by the people I have met who share this interest, who have encouraged me to enjoy what this sport has to offer. I am a member of a local swimming club which has members ranging in age from birth to 90 years old! It is a friendly and inclusive community to belong to. In addition to providing training companions, being a member of a club has also provided access to invaluable knowledge and advice on how to swim safely in the cold water. I have such admiration for those who manage to ‘swim skins’ (without a wetsuit) throughout the year!
Aside from being a fun activity, cold water swimming in particular is said to have benefits for cardiovascular and mental health. I can’t say that I was particularly convinced jumping into cold water in early May would be beneficial! However, once I have warmed up I always feel better after having gone for a swim. Over time I have found that my body has ‘acclimatised’ to the colder temperatures.
In terms of the best places to swim, it would be impossible to summarise all that are available nationally. However, I believe there are nine lidos in the Capital, for example the Serpentine, Parliament Hill and London Fields Lido. There are also a number of other open-air pools and ponds (Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds in particular is recommended). In terms of open water venues, I’m always surprised by what is available nearby. Members of local swimming or triathlon clubs usually are the best guides for recommendations. Please note that for most mortals open water swimming is a seasonal sport undertaken between the spring and the late summer so some venues are only open for swimming during this period.
This December saw a group of 40 open water swimmers from around the UK, myself included, gather for the Steve Wand Invitational Memorial Swim 2019. The swim was to remember Steve, who was an impressive age-group athlete. It involved swimming 100 repetitions of 100 metres (10km in total) where we were afforded two minutes (or less) to complete each repetition and recover. We were raising money for the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust. If you would like to know more about this event, the link is here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/swims2019 Any support would be greatly appreciated.
Rebecca Farrell is a barrister at 3PB specialising in commercial and chancery matters. In her spare time, she enjoys long-distance open water swimming.
Numbers issued; nails clipped; hats provided; tattoos applied; and jewellery removed. A crowd gathers to observe as the numbers are recited and the last footsteps on dry land are reluctantly taken. I have been asked to write about why I make time to participate in open water swimming and it is in those very moments before a race when my feet touch the water that I also ask myself the same question. However, the answer is usually found during or after the experience.
With a renewed interest in open water swimming this past season I have found myself swimming in the sea; lakes; and a range of outdoor pools and lidos (both heated and unheated, developing a strong preference for the former).
I find that open water and outdoor swimming provides a space where the world stops and the beauty of the surroundings can be absorbed. Likewise, it offers the personal satisfaction of training for and competing in events.
By entering some races this year, it has also provided me with some much-needed motivation to get back in the water consistently (much like a deadline does!). Whilst admittedly it can be difficult to know what the week has in store professionally when it begins, it has prompted me to try and manage my time so that I can fit in training. This has been helped by the people I have met who share this interest, who have encouraged me to enjoy what this sport has to offer. I am a member of a local swimming club which has members ranging in age from birth to 90 years old! It is a friendly and inclusive community to belong to. In addition to providing training companions, being a member of a club has also provided access to invaluable knowledge and advice on how to swim safely in the cold water. I have such admiration for those who manage to ‘swim skins’ (without a wetsuit) throughout the year!
Aside from being a fun activity, cold water swimming in particular is said to have benefits for cardiovascular and mental health. I can’t say that I was particularly convinced jumping into cold water in early May would be beneficial! However, once I have warmed up I always feel better after having gone for a swim. Over time I have found that my body has ‘acclimatised’ to the colder temperatures.
In terms of the best places to swim, it would be impossible to summarise all that are available nationally. However, I believe there are nine lidos in the Capital, for example the Serpentine, Parliament Hill and London Fields Lido. There are also a number of other open-air pools and ponds (Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds in particular is recommended). In terms of open water venues, I’m always surprised by what is available nearby. Members of local swimming or triathlon clubs usually are the best guides for recommendations. Please note that for most mortals open water swimming is a seasonal sport undertaken between the spring and the late summer so some venues are only open for swimming during this period.
This December saw a group of 40 open water swimmers from around the UK, myself included, gather for the Steve Wand Invitational Memorial Swim 2019. The swim was to remember Steve, who was an impressive age-group athlete. It involved swimming 100 repetitions of 100 metres (10km in total) where we were afforded two minutes (or less) to complete each repetition and recover. We were raising money for the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust. If you would like to know more about this event, the link is here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/swims2019 Any support would be greatly appreciated.
The Chair of the Bar reports back
Clement Cowley, Partner at The Penny Group, explains how global events can influence the performance of pensions and ISAs, and why taking a long-term approach to investing is often the most effective strategy
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, discusses what family law professionals need to know about hallucinogens, from the main hallucinogenic drugs encountered in family proceedings, to their effects and the testing options available
Harmony Christian Ministries is the latest charity to benefit from a £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs via the company’s Giving Back initiative
By David Green
Mário Barroso, Head of R&D and Method Development at AlphaBiolabs, examines the forensic science underpinning hair drug testing, its evidential scope and limitations, and why it remains the gold standard for evidencing patterns of drug use in family proceedings
Developing a tech start-up demands a different definition of excellence to the Bar, says Saara Idelbi. The co-creator of Advocatr on entrepreneurship, AI advocacy training, and matching the thrill of a killer cross-examination
At the start of her term, Chair of the Bar 2026 Kirsty Brimelow KC set out a series of priorities for the year ahead. One of those priorities was children in the justice system
As the world becomes more digital, Barbara Vinagre Mota examines international research into the mental health consequences of judges’ exposure to graphic and immersive evidence, highlighting the importance of support systems
Reviewed by Daniel Barnett
James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain until 27 September Rothko in Florence at Palazzo Strozzi until 23 August Reviewed by Stephen Cragg KC
