Sixty-nine women gathered at Wardie Bay in Edinburgh for a sunrise swim in sea temperatures of 5.5 degrees Celsius and air temperature of 0.5 degree to celebrate International Women’s Day with a message of solidarity and body positivity. The event was organised by activist Danni Gordon and photographer Anna Deacon.
“We all have beautiful bodies – in all shapes and sizes, with muscles and fat bits and stories to tell of a real life lived,” said ice swimmer Gilly McArthur. “Wild swimming and striding with our fellow swimmers celebrates this – men and women alike.”
Body confidence and fear of judgement have been cited as key factors in women and girls giving up swimming and other sports. Half a million women gave up swimming in the last decade because of body image concerns.