The Swim Club That Started With Just a Dip – and Grew to 7K Followers (and still counting!)”

Hey there — I’m Alex: green-fingered gardener, juggling mum life, and the slightly bonkers founder of Sunday Dippers!

I’ve got a passion for cold water swimming, and I wanted a place to share info, showcase my coastal-inspired art, and create a space to bring together other water-loving mermaids (and mermen, of course)...maybe even add some of my gardening joy here too!

When new dippers join us, they always have loads of questions — so here’s a little Q&A to get you in the know before you dip your toes in with us.

❄️ Q. Why did I start Sunday Dippers?

Not everyone loves cold, dark water — I wasn’t sure at first either! None of my friends really liked the idea so I used to swim alone, like many cold water swimmers do. There are loads of swim groups at the lake, but none on Sundays (I don't think other than ours) — and since I work during the week and need to fit things around family life, I thought… why not create something myself? A lovely, slightly mad community for Sunday swimmers.

📈 Q. How did we grow from 4 to 7,000?

We started small - actually it was just me! I added 4 friends and over time a few curious dippers joined the Clevedon Marine Lake Swimming facebook page. Clevedon Marine Lake and the sea seem to call to people, it has a way of drawing people in. Now you'll find us here on our website, on facebook or in real life bobbing around at the lake.

🧘‍♀️ Q. Do I swim for exercise?

Not really. That’s a bonus, sure — but it’s more about how it makes me feel. It’s exhilarating and grounding. You breathe deeper, your mind clears, and you're totally present. It’s a moment of madness and peace — surrounded by others who are just as gloriously daft as you are. We are all different levels in the group, some still scared stiff of swimming and those who are naturals and glide. Its all just fun.

💻 Q. What do I do for a job?

Everyone always asks this — and no, it’s nothing to do with swimming! I’m an accounts assistant — desk-bound by day, but always dreaming of my next dip in the lake.

🧦 Q. How do you cope with the cold?

Honestly? It gets really cold. I’m one of those people whose feet are freezing even in summer — so I wear a wetsuit! Others are more hardcore and wear swimsuits or trunks. Some even rock a bikini and a bobble hat (bobble hats are a must in winter!). No one is judged. Wear what makes you comfortable and brave.

🌊 Q. How did I get into cold water swimming?

Blame my so-called friends. They persuaded me to do a New Year’s Day dip in 2020 — and it was absolutely freezing! There was frost on the floor, the lake was black, still and frosty and people were buzzing all around. I jumped in,

lasted about 3 seconds, and thought I was going to pass out...But somehow, I loved it. The adrenaline. The madness. The aliveness. I went back for more — and I haven’t stopped since.

If you're thinking about joining us, I hope this gives you a little insight into who we are. We’re just people who love the water, love a laugh, and love starting our Sundays with a splash.

See you at the lake 💙

Lex xx