After years of partaking in triathlons, cyclosportive events, marathons, ultramarathons, swims and multi-sports events, Sian Richardson decided cold water swimming might be an interesting new challenge, one that was less of a strain on her joints and wallet she thought.

As she swam into the winter months of 2014 she discovered it was no less of a challenge mentally. The months passed by and the temperature dropped but she continued to squeal and whoop in the Pembrokeshire sea.

She squealed and whooped quite loud, it would seem. Others heard and came along to join her, and that is how The Bluetits began.

Members - approx 25

The Bluetits is still for the most part a small local group based in Pembrokeshire, this photo captures almost all of the members of the Bluetits at that time.

An early photoshoot of The Bluetits on Porthsele Beach In Pembrokeshire.

Members - approx 7,000
Flocks - 70

From its humble beginning The Bluetits had grown to almost 7,000 members with groups starting up all over the country.

Sians spending on badges was becoming a concern (especially for her husband Alan) and with the speed of growth she needed some help. A team was formed and The Bluetits Chill Swimmers became a Social Enterprise.

We held our first large gathering - The GreatTit Weekend was hosted in Pembrokshire and over 200 people came along to enjoy a fun weekend.

This was also the year that Covid hit and the numbers soared as people went online to find connections to people with similar interests.

Members - approx 50,000
Flocks - 115

We launched our first ever Winter Challenge, something to keep us all dipping through the winter even if we couldn't meet up with friends. We were blown away when 2,000 people entered and packing up all those orders came as a shock!

We moved into our warehouse, affectionately known as Bluetit HQ (or the icebox in the winter months as we have no heating)

We hosted a weekend in The Cotswolds for our volunteer admins to come together and plan for the future.

On 1st October 2021 we held our first ever World Bluetit Day to celebrate Bluetitting around the world.

Members - approx 85,000
Flocks - 139

We launched Bluetit Holidays in conjuntion with The Different Travel Company and held the first ever Bluetit holiday in Pembrokeshire.

This year saw the first of our non-competitive swim events, held at Lake32 in The Cotswolds with swims starting from just 50m. The atmosphere was incredible.

Members - approx 100,000
Flocks - 151

We completed a bumper survey to find out a bit more about you all, who you are, where you swim and why you swim.
The results were incredible!

We launched our first overseas holiday and off to Iceland our first intrepid explorers went.

We were invited to Henley Swim festival, over 50 Bluetits set up camp and we had a lot of fun cheering everyone on.

A small group of Bluetits attended the IWSA World Championships in Lake Bled Slovenia, as some Bluetits entered the competitive arena.

Members - approx 150,000
Flocks - 159

Our first ever Bluetit Channel Relay Team made it across the English Channel once again proving that people can achieve what they once thought was impossible.

We coordinated a team of over 80 Bluetits to compete in the World Winter Swimming Championships in Tallin, Estonia, we even won some medals.

The Bluetits also became a Community Interest Company to help with fundraising activities. As ever we are astounded by the comments we get every week from people about how much being a Bluetit has changed their life.