'Tis the Season to swim - Kilkenny Live

With the doom and gloom of Christmas morning on the horizon, precious alone time is in short supply.

It is also a period of reflection as the year comes to an end and the cursed 10 second countdown to 2024 looms over our heads.

This presents a dilemma, how can you sneak away for an hour or so to yourself and also be in the right environment to take stock of all that’s happened over the past 12 months.

One possible answer: Stick on your swimming cap, grab your goggles, pack your flip flops and get into a swimming pool.

Before someone snorts their nose in derision about the idea of swimming in December, think about it.

In the pool you are forcefully parted with your mobile phone, thus allowing you to ‘reconnect with yourself’.

It’s typically a warm pool, which is something we simply cannot take for granted during these compulsory hat, scarf and glove days of winter.

It’s also an opportunity to exercise, but, thankfully, it is a low impact activity.

You get the rush of the fabled ‘runner’s high’ from swimming lanes without the sore back and achy legs the next day.
It builds up your endurance levels, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness.

Watching the number of lengths you are capable of slowly but surely rise as you develop your stamina is a thrilling and rewarding feat.

Besides, even just getting in the water and splashing about is still technically physical activity.

The pool can be quite a meditative retreat, disregarding the aforementioned 'splashing about'.

No phone means no Whatsapp groups clamouring for top billing or Facebook posts competing for likes and engagement, it’s just you, in the water, by yourself.

The chance to be alone with your thoughts nowadays is an arguably rare occurrence, an opportunity that cannot be squandered.

You are free to think about everything or nothing, depending on whether you find yourself in a retrospective mood or not.

The pools are emptier this time of year, so anyone who despises sharing lanes or is looking for a hit of solitude is in luck.

Plus, the steam room and sauna are a great way to remind yourself of the warm embrace of the Summer heat and humidity.

Across the country, on Christmas Day, thousands of brave women and men will charge into the horrifyingly freezing sea.

Who is to say how many of them will actually make it into the water and under the waves, but it’s the thought that counts.

This is a glorious tradition that supports local charities and brings communities together to gleefully suffer alongside each other.

For these people, the Christmas day swim has become an integral part of their holiday and helps them get into the so-called ‘festive spirit’.

If you are already an avid swimmer, why not give your cherished friends and family a ‘hint’ for Christmas by loading their stockings with swimming caps, goggles or nose plugs.

If you have a swimmer in your life, and are stuck on what to get them for Christmas, a wetsuit, Dry Robe or leisure centre membership could make a great present.

Caution and responsibility in and around bodies of water is imperative.

According to Water Safety Ireland, 105 drownings occur in Ireland every year, with males representing the vast majority of deaths in Irish waters (78%).

It was also found that alcohol is a factor in 28% of drownings.

With the Christmas ‘buzz’ upon us and people treating themselves to well-deserved hot whiskeys and mulled wines, it’s incredibly important to note that under no circumstances, should these indulgences mix with any water-based activities, ever.

This holiday season, why not journey to the nearest pool or leisure centre, even just once, it might accidentally create a new and exciting winter tradition.

Come in from the cold, or stay out there if you’re a sea-faring fanatic, and take an hour or two to clear your mind and relax.

It’s important not to lose touch with yourself over the holidays, where it’s easy to let the little things bubble under the surface and misplaced feelings go unchecked.

Whether it’s stress over getting the right present for the right person or making sure there are enough roast potatoes for Christmas dinner, the swimming pool provides a great escape from it all, with the added benefit of actually being good for your health and fitness.

Remember to always respect the water and never, ever, ever, under any circumstances run by the pool, advice any lifeguard would happily remind you of with a deafening blow of the whistle.