Last Sunday Moses Alcorn paid a visit to The Dunfanaghy Dippers who swim/dip every day of the year at Port na Blagh Pier at 11am.
Dr. Lochlann McGill, a founder member said that in the initial years there were only two or three swimmers. But, year by year more people have joined in and their numbers are swelled during summer and at weekends by Northern Ireland members. It’s fun and free - no rules and we all look after one another.
One of the advantages of cold water swimming is that beta- endorphins, the “feel good” molecules, are released from the brain. When one enters cold water, white blood cells - which counter infection, go up and inflammation is reduced. The latter is why people with arthritis and aches and pains go into cold water. Trace elements and microorganisms found in sea water also fight infection.
Don't forget that it’s also great exercise, it burns up fat and improves the fitness levels and metabolism. It’s well known that connecting with nature helps our mental health and the craic is always mighty. Communication with others is so important for humans. Remember - it’s fun and free
