Saved by the Sea. How Being in the Water Dramatically Improves Mental Health

It’s a bold statement. But one I stand by entirely: “The sea can save your life.”

For those viewing surf, swim and ocean culture from afar, splashing around in the waves probably looks like a pleasant enough way to spend a few hours. Something to get involved with in-between demolishing drinks laden with unwanted fruit on the annual escape to <insert generic beach destination here>.

But for those who don’t just enjoy a dip in the ocean, those that place being in the sea at the centre of their entire daily existence, the reality is very different.

You see, being in the sea has a profound effect on your mental health. I could wax lyrical about how the brain’s prefrontal core is activated by seawater or how the ocean’s waves generate negative ions in our body, lowering levels of cortisol and reducing stress and anxiety, but that would probably bore you. What I’ll say instead is that regularly getting in the sea keeps you sane. For the reasons I’ve just stated, and many more besides, there’s an almost euphoric experience reserved for those that immerse themselves in saltwater.

After your first whiff of this natural high, you’ll find that you reframe your whole life to maximise spending time in the ocean. You’ll shift your work patterns to fit in with the tides, schedule meetings according to peaks in the swell, and centre weekends around being in, or on, the water. Because, once you enter this world, once you’ve unscrewed the lid of this addictive existence, you’ll also discover that there’s a community of like-minded individuals who also devote their lives to the sea. And add a social element to this already serotonin rich pastime, and you’ve got a melting pot of positive mental health goodness.

Romanticism aside, being in the water gives your wellness a boost. It enhances your mood, improves your physical and mental wellbeing, and, not to get too technical: just makes you feel better.

All of which is fine, I hear you say, but I live in the middle of <now time to insert generic landlocked location miles from the sea>. I get that for some of us getting to the water is easier than others. But in the UK alone, there are hundreds of inland lidos, lakes, reservoirs, and swimming pools just waiting to be discovered. Not to mention 11,000 miles of mainland coastline to explore.

Often, the barrier to actually getting in the (sometimes) blue stuff is a misunderstanding of what being in the water entails. When we mention open water swimming, for example, we think that if we can’t swim the length of Loch Lomond three times in an hour, we’re not welcome. But that’s not true. A few gentle lengths of breaststroke are equally as admirable. Similarly, you don’t need to be a proficient surfer to spend time in the waves. A bodyboard, belly board, old oven tray, anything goes when it comes to catching waves. And it’s often said that the best surfer is the one having the most fun.

Whatever gets you in the cold stuff, the benefits are the same. The endorphins are unlocked by the water, not what you do when you’re in it.

The message is clear: get in the water. Even if you’re chugging along nicely thank you very much - get in the water; it’ll give you a new perspective on life that you didn’t know existed. If you're struggling - get in the water; it might just be the catalyst you need to reset your focus. And if you’ve just dried off after catching your first waves of the day: see you there, same time tomorrow.

(The obvious caveats apply: Only swim within your ability. Never enter dangerous or unfamiliar water. Always tell people where you are going and never swim alone.)

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