West Norfolk four in cold water event

Keeping a keen eye on fast-moving Storm Darragh, four intrepid Masters swimmers made their way to Activities Away in South Hykeham just outside Lincoln on Saturday morning to compete in the Lobster Squad UK Cold Water Team Championships.The event raised funds for the homeless charity Shelter.At the start of the day the wind was light and the weather dry. An almost bright but chilly December morning.The ‘good’ weather didn’t last long.West Norfolk Swimming Club members Sarah Taylor, Hayley Turner, Tracey Dodds and Cheryl Rose entered with the team name ‘Purple Washer Women’ which was one of the more tame ones among the 17 teams participating in the lake-based event.Led by seasoned cold water swimmer Taylor, the team braved the water at a temperature of just 5.9 degrees for their individual and team relay events.The Lobster Squad UK website boasts ‘Hot Tubs, Warm Rooms, Jacuzzis, Lane Ropes – there will be none. This is grassroots cold water swimming at its finest.’ The West Norfolk ladies each swam four events, getting wet, cold and then drying off and attempting to warm up each time before braving the water for their next event.By the final event of the day, the 4 x 50m freestyle relay Storm Darragh was truly barring its teeth, with strong winds and heavy rain, but The Purple Washer Women held firm and completed the race.Their efforts saw them finish in a respectable 11th place in what was the first time they had entered.They have already committed to taking part again next year and have set themselves a challenge to drum up at least one men’s team from the club for 2025.