The Bluetits: When lambs become lions

“It’s much more difficult to do something that scares you when you’re alone. But when you have a community of people around you, it gets a little more comfortable for your brain to do whatever it is.” That’s how Sian Richardson, founder of The Bluetits, describes the wild swimming phenomenon she set up over 10 years ago.

It all started in 2014 with an Ice Mile. No Welsh person had ever completed one, and to a woman who spent years competing in triathlons, a mile didn’t sound like much. But in September on her first training swim on the coast of Pembrokeshire, the water was just 13 degrees, and it shocked her. 

Walking home, she felt elated, and when winter descended Sian kept swimming. As the water got colder, she attracted more and more attention. Some were curious, and one by one, began asking if they could join her. Over time, the numbers grew and a community began to emerge. 

“You’re the happiest I’ve ever seen you.” Sian’s husband told her one morning after returning from a swim, telling him all about the people she swam with and what had happened that day. He suggested they give themselves a name, and so, The Bluetits was born.    

Wild swimming is about strength and courage. Proving to yourself, and to anyone who ever doubted you that you can do it. “Always get out when you’re winning. When your brain is winning that’s what you remember for the rest of the day.” 

Now with over 100,000 members across the world, Sian loves watching people transform. From individuals afraid of the cold to a confident part of this incredible community, or as Sian puts it, “They arrive like Lambs and eventually become lions.”