JULES & GREG GO WILD SWIMMING
- Mark Holmes
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
When Greg and Jules joined the Coldingham Brave Bayers for a harbour snorkelling session, it was more than a television moment. It was an opportunity to share what open water swimming means to us: a practice that supports our physical health, strengthens our mental health, enhances our wellbeing, and creates lasting connections with places and community.
Our community swims take place all year‑round, embracing the challenges and rewards of cold water in a safe, supportive environment. On this occasion, we were also joined by a BBC Scotland film crew, who were capturing 'Jules & Greg Wild Swims' for their new series due to air in 2026.
I THINK I HAVE SEEN THEM ON THE TELLY
Greg and Jules arrived with an open curiosity to meet fellow open water swimmers on their travels through Scotland and understand our stories and experiences. After excited introductions and a safety briefing, we talked through our usual routines: gradual entry, steady breathing, clear communication in the water, and looking out for one another at all times. A session plan with risk assessment is the most important part of the event. Cold water swimming demands respect for conditions and personal limits, and our community culture is built around care, encouragement, and shared responsibility.
MARINE RESERVES AND THE WILD WATER
Todays dook was in a unique setting for open water activity. Sheltered by its harbour walls yet closely connected to the wider North Sea, it provides calm conditions that are ideal for snorkelling. Beneath the surface is a rich marine environment, with seaweed gardens, crabs, fish, and anemones creating an underwater landscape that rewards slower, more mindful movement. For many of our members & Jules and Greg, this setting was a unique experience. Immersion in a living ecosystem, where attention naturally shifts away from daily pressures and towards breathing, movement, and the rhythm of the tide.
Throughout the swim, the BBC crew recorded both above and below the water, capturing the snorkelling experience and the atmosphere of the group. It was unusual to see cameras and microphones alongside tow floats and wetsuits, but the focus remained on the water itself and on the experience of being in it.
For the Brave Bayers, it was a chance to show how ordinary people use open water swimming as part of everyday life, rather than as an extreme pursuit. Most of us began for simple reasons: to be more active, to improve our mood, or to spend more time outdoors and over time, it has become a shared ritual that supports both physical and mental health.
OUR SEA, OUR STORIES & THE ROAD TO NEW BEGININGS
As always, the session ended with warm layers, hot drinks, and conversation on the harbour side. This social aspect is as valuable as the swim itself. It helps new members feel welcome, allows people to share experiences, and reinforces the sense that swimming is something done together, not alone.
Greg and Jules joined us for this post‑swim gathering, reflecting on what they had seen beneath the surface and how their bodies felt after the cold water. Their enthusiasm started conversations on why 'cold water swimming' and how it enhanced and often changed the lives of a Brave Bayer.
When the programme airs in 2026, viewers will see Greg and Jules’ snorkelling experience, and a snapshot of our group in the water. We hope it will also communicate something less visible: the steady, long‑term value of open water swimming for health, confidence, and connection.
For us, the day was a reminder that what has become familiar can still be meaningful. Each swim is different, shaped by weather, tides, and the people who turn up, but the benefits remain consistent.
Open water swimming does not require extraordinary ability. It asks only for patience, respect for the sea, and a willingness to begin.
If you are interested in open water swimming but don't know where to start we offer group and private 1:1 sessions for beginners and various events to help support access to the water. You can contact us direct here or take a look at our Events page for upcoming sessions.