A group of Lochaber ladies have been making a splash over the last month by taking to the chilly waters of the region to raise awareness of mental health and the menopause.
Nevis Dippers emersed themselves in a test which saw them expose themselves to the elements and the local waterways every day throughout February.
Joining the group for the first time was Glencoe resident Sandi MacLeod, who first dipped her toes in the cold water around her home in 2023.
She said: "Most of us are doing it for our mental health, which apart from the challenge, is why I swim, in all weathers.
"This has been a game-changer for me in dealing with depression and menopause."
Canadian-born Sandi, 50, joined outdoor swimming group Nevis Dippers after meeting Susan Archibald at the Long Live Loch Linnhe Demo Dook in January. It was Susan’s suggestion to attempt to swim every day in February to mark it being a leap year.
Sandi, who battles daily with menopause symptoms, explained: "I really didn’t think I could do it, but I did, and will continue to swim anywhere and anytime I can.
"Cold water swimming challenges me. It resets my mind from anxiety, depression and other menopause symptoms.
"I have time to breathe and meditate with no interruptions, unless a cheeky seal is interested in what I am doing.
"The key benefits for me in terms of mental health is that it gives me something to focus on, regulates my breathing and gives me a buzz from the minute I go into the water to when I come out.
"I sleep better, feel less aches and pains in my joints and it is exhilarating.
"The menopause hit me like a freight train. All the usual symptoms but also extras that really are overlooked by GP’s. The cold water therapy has given me so much.
"We really must help one another because sadly, a lot of women are not getting treatment or proper information that they need."
Sandi is now encouraging like-minded people to take to the water, but has urged them to keep safe while doing so.
She added: "I haven’t missed a swim in any month since I started last year so I do think I am quite acclimatised to the water temperatures in the areas I swim but I also know what my limits are and how my body feels.
"It’s not a competition. Judge how your body is feeling, if you are shivering, you are already too cold, so get out of the wet stuff as soon as possible, have a warm drink and do a warm up after."
The Dippers completed their challenge on February 29 and conditions couldn’t have been worse. Five ladies took to the waters at Cuil Bay in freezing temperatures which were made worse by a howling wind and driving sleet.
Sandi told West Coast Today how she is already eyeing up her next adventure.
She said: "I will keep swimming and might start a new challenge. My birthday is in March and I may go for 51 lochs in the year."
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