Bluetit Tips for Night Swimming

Bluetit Tips for Night Swimming

Night swimming can be utterly glorious. There's an extra thrill in immersing in the cold water in the dark, when your mind focuses that bit more on how it feels rather than the way it looks. The moon may shine, its reflection marking a stunning path through the water. You may encounter bioluminescence, the sparkles lighting up your limbs under the surface. Or, it may be absolutely bloomin' freezing, lashing down with rain and not a star in the sky, and you have a right old giggle with those who have joined you!

Whatever kind of swim it is, many Bluetits choose to night swim because of the added thrills. And now that the nights are drawing in, many Bluetits' working patterns mean they are increasingly swimming in reduced light. So here are some tales and tips from fellow Bluetits about the joy of a night time swim, how to stay safe and embrace the titillation!

These tips come from real Bluetits and are based on their own personal experiences. Some may differ from one another, and some might not be up your street. This is intended as a tool to give you some ideas to try and see what works for you and your flock!

 

"So much fun swimming in the dark. We love to go to the sheltered harbour for our moon swims 🥰" - Karen Catto, Aberdeen Bluetits

 

"We love twilight and moonlight swims. A rechargeable light is really useful to act as a marker on the beach, as well as aiding with visibility when changing.
We have torches in our tow floats and always buddy up in pairs for safety. A fire on the beach helps with light and the added warmth is welcomed as we enjoy our post swim drinks and snacks!" - Tracie Hudson, Baggy Bluetits
"There is a wonderful Turkish word for moonlight over water - Yakamoz. Apparently it’s the only language that has just one word to describe this beautiful occurrence. I love swimming in a Yakamoz and the amazing feeling that the path of the shining reflection is coming directly to you. I remember swimming with friends and calling for them to swim to me as I was in the perfect position only to hear that they too were in the centre of the moons beams. Swimming in the dark is so very exciting especially when there is bioluminescence to see. It is like swimming inside a snow globe. The less light pollution there is the better the sparkles especially if you happen to wee into the water! It's like an underwater sparkler. I love introducing people to their first night swim as it never fails to delight." - Penny Calder, North Pembrokeshire Bluetits
"Put a light (I use a waterproof head torch) inside your tow float. More visible and looks pretty!" - Becky Lou
"No head torches! They blind other swimmers, let your night vision do its thing, stick a light inside your tow float, and light up your entry and exit points so that you can see where to get back out again." - Mary Elizabeth, Ballyronan Bluetits
"Beach fires after a night swim are beautiful. Swimming at full moon is something special. One thing Makala Jones said to me once which I really feel on a night swim more than any other time is that the experience connects us all to everything. So I feel that by being in the water in a little part of Pembrokeshire, I'm connected to all the seas and oceans across the world. Night dips are more meditative for me as I prefer to swim-swim in the light, but happy to dip at night." - Eva McManus, North Pembrokeshire Bluetits

 

"Moonlight swims are great fun. We swim by piers to get the benefit of the light. Always ask people to wear a light so you can see where everyone is." - Michelle Donnelly, Jersey Bluetits

 

"We love swimming in the dark! We do draw a line at swimming in strong winds in the dark because of not being able to see stuff coming out of the trees, we always have lights in our tow floats, and leave a light by the entry/exit point, and we keep checking on each other in the water. We usually swim at a lake which has trees all round it." - Jane Pratt, Oxfordshire Bluetits

 

"Stick together, buddy up and always make yourself known so that everyone that gets in gets out. Night swimming can bring an additional chill so even MORE layers, the usual hot drink, CAKE and when the conditions allow a fire brings the community together in a special way. Connecting in and out of the water have equal importance to me and a fire is a great excuse to stick around, watch the stars and Awh at the moon." - Jess Cox, Ceredigion Bluetits

 

"When swimming, use a bright light in a floatie. Swim in pairs. As it gets colder, we just dip, or double dip and then share warming drinks and cake." - Sarah-jane Elsey, Copenhagen Bluetits

 

"Adore swimming in the dark but always take etc precautions. Really know your entry and exit points with reduced visibility, have a light on a stick where your bags are (near entry and exit). Have a torch in torch in float, extra warm layers and hot water bottle for afters. I have emergency number written on my tow float which is just good practise anyway." - Tori North, Woking Bluetits

 

"Lights in floats, head torches great for getting dressed afterwards." - Tracy Amanda Jones, Oxfordshire Bluetits

 

Got your own tips or tales to add? Share this blog with your flock and let them know your thoughts!

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