You never regret a swim: it's the motto of the outdoor swimming community.

Meet five women who brave cold water all year round. For them, it's not just a hobby but a lifeline.

For Mary, cold water swimming was a means to rehabilitation following a critical illness. After four years living and working abroad, she found herself unexpectedly back in the UK – too fragile to return to her old role and life.

Signed off work to recover and have treatment for trauma, she found comfort, community, and connection in the ponds and reservoirs of London. Swimming helped her to feel safe, sane, and herself again.

In this episode Mary retraces her journey and meets others with swimming stories to share – from dealing with divorce to coping with depression and anxiety.

Can they convince you to take the plunge?

Produced and presented by Mary Morgan.

This episode explores issues of death and dying, which some listeners might find distressing.

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If you're tempted to jump in:

West Reservoir: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/hackney/west-reservoir-centre

Kenwood Ladies Pond: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/where-to-go-at-hampstead-heath/kenwood-ladies-pond

Luxborough Lake: https://nowca.org/nowca_venue/luxborough-lakes/

No interviews or sound were recorded within the Ladies Pond enclosure – where recording and photography are strictly prohibited.