The Sunday Dippers Meet Cath Pendleton, the Merthyr Mermaid

I’ll admit it — I was a little star-struck. Swimming with our very own celebrity guest, Cath Pendleton (aka the Merthyr Mermaid), is not something I’ll forget anytime soon. I mean… swimming 1 mile in the Arctic? That’s beyond impressive!

It was grey, it was rainy, but the dippers still assembled — all to meet the lovely Cath. She was super friendly, full of energy, and I couldn't wait to quiz her on her achievements and find out more.

From Beginner to Arctic Adventurer

I found Cath’s story super inspiring - she’s just a normal person — a single mum working a day job — someone who, like many of us, started out with simple cold water swims. It wasn’t fame, sponsorship, or elite training that got her into icy waters; it was curiosity, the thrill of the chill, and the sense of release cold water swimming brings.

From those first nerve-wracking dips in chilly local lakes, Cath gradually pushed herself further. I mean, sitting in a freezer sounds crazy — but it’s what caught the attention of the BBC. And even though she tells me she hated the thing by the end, it helped train her body to handle extreme cold.

She went from being a complete beginner to completing swims in some of the harshest conditions — including the frigid waters of the Arctic. But it’s not just her physical endurance that stands out; it’s the mental strength and commitment it takes to face those challenges head-on.

A Morning to Remember

From the moment Cath arrived, there was a buzz of excitement. Our usual Sunday Dippers community vibe was even more electric, as members gathered to chat, listen and share in the experience. Swimming alongside Cath was both inspiring and exciting . She shared stories from her icy adventures, how she would freeze the chest freezer and then have to smash the ice before getting in, and even shared details of the silver lining in her current swim suit which I sneakily noticed!

Relatable and Approachable

Despite her incredible achievements, Cath is warm, bubbly, and full of humour. She shared how she’s faced doubts, nerves, and challenges along the way, reminding us that even extreme feats start with a single brave step into cold water. For anyone new to cold water swimming, it was inspiring to see that the journey can start small and grow into something extraordinary.

Community Spirit in Action

Cath’s visit highlighted what makes the Sunday Dippers so special: connection, camaraderie, and shared challenges. Swimming is not just about the water — it’s about supporting each other, celebrating personal achievements, and enjoying the experience together. Seeing members of all levels chatting, laughing, and sharing the water with Cath was a reminder that the lake is as much about community as it is about swimming.

Takeaway

Swimming with a world-class open water swimmer was inspiring, humbling, and yes — a little intimidating! But most of all, it was fun, memorable, and a reminder of why we love our Sunday morning swims at Clevedon Marine Lake.

Cath’s journey from a local beginner to Arctic adventurer shows that anyone can push their boundaries, and that courage, curiosity, and community support make all the difference.

If you would like to watch the BBC documentary (which is very good by the way!) you can check it out here

Or check out her website and socials for updates here