We can’t take this for granted

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Content warning: mentions of suicide.

John, if you had told me 5 years ago that swimming would help me to talk about my feelings, I’d have laughed at you.

Before my first cold-water dip, I was the most stereotypical alpha male bloke ever. I preferred the pub to actually expressing my emotions.

That was until one freezing mid-December morning back in 2021, when I braved the icy-shock of an ocean dip in Porthtowan Tidal Pool, Cornwall. From the moment I stepped out of the water, I was hooked. So, I set about creating ‘Blueballs’.

Where I live in Cornwall, we have the third highest suicide rate among men in all of the UK. That stat haunts me. And it’s why I feel so strongly about growing a community of people who use wild swimming as a positive coping mechanism for their mental health.

But John, while the ocean helps so many people mentally, we live in fear of getting sick. The Safer Seas and Rivers Service app is the only way to see where it’s pollution-free and safe to swim.

For the safety of everyone who steps into the water, whatever their reason may be – will you donate to ensure the app continues to provide this vital information? For just 48 more hours, every penny you give will be doubled:

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I use the app every single week – before each swim and before we plan the location for our group swim at the weekend too.

Fortunately, no one in our group has become sick from swimming in sewage – thanks to all of the pollution alerts on the app.

But the sewage dump that happened at St Agnes, just one day after our Dip a Day events that brought together so many men looking to do something positive for their mental health, was a harsh reminder of just how much of a risk there always is.

John, we can’t take our ocean for granted. It’s always there for us when we need it, which is why it’s just as important that we do everything we can to ensure it’s safe. Will you chip in today to help make sure we have a fully-functioning SSRS app to look out for us?

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Thank you for being there for the app – because without it, the ocean won’t be there for us.

Tom

Founder of Blueballs

P.S. If you’ve donated already, thank you so much. Now could you forward Tom’s story on to a friend and help make sure we smash our target? It takes 30 seconds >>

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Surfers Against Sewage

Wheal Kitty Workshops, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0RD

Tel: 01872 553 001

Surfers Against Sewage is a national marine conservation and campaigning charity that inspires, unites and empowers communities to take action to protect oceans, beaches, waves and wildlife.

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