Exploring the Use of Sea Swimming as an Intervention With Young People With Mental Health Challenges: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.
Alice Taylor, Maria O'Malley, Rachael O'Callaghan and 1 others
PMID 39835363WHAT IT FOUND
Young people in mental health inpatient care described sea swimming as more engaging than talk therapy, citing immediate calm and a sense of bravery from overcoming the cold.
They valued the informal group setting for reducing power dynamics with staff.
Key findings
01Participants preferred sea swimming over traditional therapies because they found one-to-one talking therapies uncomfortable and formal, whereas sea swimming offered an immediate sense of calm and accomplishment.
02The informal nature of the activity, including shared swimming gear and lack of uniforms, reduced power dynamics between young people and staff, fostering stronger relationships.
03Young people described the physical challenge of cold water as a way to shift focus from anxious thoughts to the present moment, leading to feelings of bravery and resilience.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The sample size was very small (8 young people, 6 staff), limiting the transferability of findings. Participants were predominantly female and White Irish, lacking gender and ethnic diversity. Self-selection bias is likely, as only a minority of eligible young people agreed to be interviewed. The study reports perspectives and experiences, not clinical outcomes or efficacy.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these themes as evidence that sea swimming treats mental health conditions. The study describes how participants felt about the activity, not whether it improved their clinical outcomes.