Diving Into The Diary Of A Sea Swimmer

Sea swimming has always been a part of island life. For some of us that means a quick dip in summer, but there's a growing community of open water swimmers who brave the elements and dive in - literally! - all year round.

Indi Gallagher, local video creator and founder of Diary of a Sea Swimmer, is part of this sea swimming community. She recently started sharing videos of her daily swim adventures, hoping to inspire others and promote health and wellness in a way that feels accessible and fun. She wants to show that you don’t need to swim far or fast to enjoy the benefits that sea swimming can bring to your life. Sometimes, just getting in the water is enough. 

Indi often swims with her dad and their group of sea swimming friends - and Pepper, her sea loving chocolate labrador who, in Indi's words, is the real star of the show! 

Read Indi's story here.

 

 

'Life can get loud sometimes, it can be overwhelming and stressful. But the second I'm in the ocean, I'm able to reconnect with myself and find that inner peace. There's nothing in the world like it.'

 

I never thought I’d be someone who swims in the sea every day. But here I am, embracing the cold water all year round with my Dad and our sea-swimming dog, Pepper.

My name is Indi, and my journey into sea swimming started last year. I felt inspired by my Dad and his incredible group of swimming friends who brave the elements, no matter the weather! Their innate desire to swim every day seemed driven purely by joy, never for glory or accolade. They appeared deeply connected, full of life, and perhaps a bit more resilient and happier for it. Watching them, I started to wonder... why? It’s just swimming, right?

Curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to give it a try. Now, a year later, sea swimming has become a part of who I am and how I define myself. Every swim brings me joy, not only for the simple pleasure of being in the water, but also for the chance to connect with nature and experience the mental and physical benefits. Each dip refreshes my mind and energises my body, reminding me of the simple pleasures in life.

Life can get loud sometimes, it can be overwhelming and stressful. But the second I'm in the ocean, I'm able to reconnect with myself and find that inner peace. There's nothing in the world like it.

 

Pepper The Sea Swimming Dog.

But the real star of the show is Pepper, our sea-swimming Chocolate Labrador. She has an incredible talent for open water swimming and has been doing it ever since she was a puppy. Like any Labrador, she loves the water, but Pepper takes it to a whole new level... She can confidently swim with us around buoys, past boats and even navigates the rocky coastline with ease, making every swim extra special.

I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by people who always say yes to sea swims, and I never take that for granted. But on those rare days when it’s just me, I know I can count on Pepper. Dogs live fully in the moment, making every day feel like the best day ever. We could all use a little of that energy - finding joy in the simple things and saying yes to whatever brings us happiness

Live like a dog and have your best day, every day, seems to be what Pepper is saying to us!

 

 

'Dogs live fully in the moment, making every day feel like the best day ever. We could all use a little of that energy - finding joy in the simple things and saying yes to whatever brings us happiness.'

 

What’s Our Mission?

We recently started Diary of a Sea Swimmer sharing videos of our daily swim adventures with the hope of inspiring others. It began as a way to capture the small but meaningful moments we experience that remind us of the joy in life’s simple pleasures. 

By sharing our swims online, we also hope to promote health and wellness in a way that feels accessible and fun. Sea swimming has given us so much, from physical benefits like improved energy and reduced stress, to the mental boost of being in nature and feeling part of a community. We want to show that you don’t need to swim far or fast to enjoy these benefits. Sometimes, just getting in the water is enough.

Plus, our adventures wouldn’t be complete without Pepper, who adds plenty of humour and heart to our videos. We love showing her joyful nature and playful energy, which often bring a smile to people’s faces and remind us all that nature can be enjoyed in the simplest ways. Ultimately, Diary of a Sea Swimmer is about celebrating those everyday moments that make life feel just a bit more extraordinary.

 

Familiar Faces And Community.

It’s not just the swimming—it’s the people I do it with. Sharing these moments with my Dad and Pepper, or bumping into others who swim all year round, builds a sense of community and connection. Since I started, I’ve met some incredible people in the Guernsey sea swimming community. From those who have tackled impressive challenges across the world, to others who jump in the water every day just like me, everyone shares a passion for the ocean and can equally benefit from the ocean.

I've had the chance to connect with swimmers who have accompanied me on my own challenges, offered helpful advice, and even become good friends. Whether it’s swapping stories while warming up after a dip or cheering each other on during tough swims, the friendships I've built make each swim even more meaningful. There’s a special camaraderie that comes from sharing this unique experience, and I feel grateful to be part of such a welcoming and inspiring community.

 

 

'There’s a special camaraderie that comes from sharing this unique experience, and I feel grateful to be part of such a welcoming and inspiring community.'

 

Discovering Local Treasures.

After a refreshing swim, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm drink or a tasty snack to complete the experience. That’s why we’ve made it a mission to explore different spots around the island and share our favourites along the way. Supporting the local community is really important to us, so we always try to buy local food whenever we can, and we even love using home-grown veggies in our meals! Diary of a Sea Swimmer is about so much more than just sea swimming; it’s about celebrating the unique island life in every way possible. From cosy cafes with stunning views to hidden gems tucked away along the coast, we’re excited to uncover the best that Guernsey has to offer and encourage others to do the same.

 

Why You Should Try Sea Swimming This Winter.

If you’re looking for a little encouragement to step outside this winter, connect with nature, and feel more alive, then sea swimming might just be what you need. The simple moments spent in the water - whether it’s the exhilarating rush of the cold or the peaceful calm that follows - remind us to appreciate the beauty around us. So, grab a friend, suit up, and dive in! We’ll be sharing our daily adventures and tips for winter swimming, and we’d love for you to follow along at Diary of a Sea Swimmer.

See you on a beach soon, and please do come and say hello to Pepper - whether that’s on dry land or in the water!

 

 

Stay Safe.

Sea swimming is extremely rewarding, but there are obvious risks associated with being out in the open water. When you are trying out sea swimming, or exploring new areas to swim in, it’s always important to stay safe.

This mini-list of sea swimming tips from Guernsey Swim Adventures is a helpful reminder of how to stay safe and be seen.

1.  Plan your swim.

2.  Know your tides.

3.  Check out the local weather. 

4.  Acclimatise to the water temperature

5.  Swim with a buddy.

6.  Swim to your ability.

7.  Be bright and visible.

8.  Respect other water users.

9.  Have a warm drink after your swim.

10. Don't forget to bring dry clothes.