Life is Too Short Not to Swim
When I returned to live full time in Clayton Bay in 2023, I was a bit out of touch with the local community, having spent the previous five years living remotely. I wasn’t sure what activities were happening, nor how to become part of the community again.
My time away taught me a valuable lesson: if I wanted to reconnect, I had to be an active participant, not just a bystander. Simply observing doesn’t lead to mentally positive results.
Having taken part in open water swimming in the UK, I had heard about a group called the Bluetits Chill Swimmers, a community of like-minded individuals who embrace the invigorating experience of open water swimming. As someone who loves swimming, and with the river right on my doorstep, it felt like the perfect fit. So, in the winter of 2023, I gathered a few friends and we met at the Clayton Bay Foreshore. We swam, chatted, and let the cool waters wash away the stress of everyday life. That first swim, so simple yet so refreshing, was the beginning of something truly special.
Since then, we’ve been advertising our swims and growing a vibrant group of swimmers from Clayton Bay, Milang, Strathalbyn, Goolwa, and the surrounding areas. We’re a social group with a fitness element, where each swim is dictated by the group. Some days it’s short dips, while on others we swim across Red Top Bay at Clayton Bay. We gather at various locations including the Strathalbyn Pool, Horseshoe Bay, and Clayton Bay Foreshore, and we stay connected through a WhatsApp group where we share our individual swims and plan our group outings.
I recently asked the group what they enjoy most about being a Bluetit, and here’s what they had to say:
Carole shared, “The Murray Bluetits are an amazing group that provides gentle encouragement, friendship, and support to all.”
Cherie Lee added, “I love the wonderful friendships, being outside in the elements, and swimming in our beautiful lakes, ocean, or pool. It’s absolutely the best start to the day you could wish for!”
As Marina puts it, “There is absolutely nothing not to love about swimming, anytime, any water, anywhere. Catching up with beautiful people and getting amazing hugs is the best!”
If you’d like to find out more about our group, feel free to contact me at millybreward@gmail.com. While we’re not currently swimming at Clayton Bay (we hope to resume in April), there is a regular swim at Horseshoe Bay on Sunday mornings.
Remember, life is too short not to swim!
Written by Milly Breward
