MEMBERS of the North Wales Bluetits open water swimming group kicked off the new year by making a splash at Colwyn Bay’s seafront.

The group, which usually meets every Saturday on the prom in Colwyn Bay at 10am, donned fancy dress as they plunged into the water on New Year’s Day.

“Swimming in the sea has been beneficial to my mental health and overall well-being,” said Caroline Mottram, volunteer swim host for the charity Mental Health Swims, independent open water swim coach and Bluetit Chill Swimmers group member.

She added: “Being in the water puts my mind at peace, and having great friends to enjoy it with adds to the benefits.

“You always come out of the water with a smile on your face!

“I am now qualified as an independent open water swim coach (Deeply Dippy Wild Swimming). I support people who may prefer one-to-one support or a smaller group to gain confidence and skills to use the open water safely.

“I would not have had the confidence or the inspiration to re-train to be an independent open water coach if I hadn’t started swimming with the Bluetits and reignited my love for the water.

“I have also made friendships that will last a life time and boosted my overall well-being.”

There are also Bluetits meet-ups through the week, usually organised by Chrissy Bolton, who, Caroline said, “is very welcoming to all”.

Caroline added: “Chrissy came up with idea for the fancy dress dip on New Year’s Day and it was great fun, and the smiles on our faces speak for themselves!”

You can join the Facebook group of the North Wales Bluetits, a branch of the Bluetits Chill Swimmers, by visiting: www.facebook.com/groups/573400883400830.

Caroline’s coaching page, Deeply Dippy Wild Swimming, can be found at www.deeplydippywildswimming.com.