The Coldwater Collective
In conversation with Annie Taylor, photographer and founder of The Coldwater Collective.
Hi Annie, please tell us a little bit about yourself, your background and how you started The Coldwater Collective community.
Hi, I'm Annie, a disabled designer, photographer and founder of The Coldwater Collective. I have been super fortunate to grow up on the lovely south coast. I have spent my entire life drawing inspiration from the sea. It is the place I go to find solitude, peace and where I explore the boundaries of my creative processes. My artwork and photography are both entirely drawn from my findings within the water.
In 2016 I was taking regular swims at the local beaches, being disabled it was the only place I felt freedom and had the ability to move at ease pain free. Most days I took to the water with my camera playing with water and light and any marine life. It helped me go through incredibly dark phases of my life reminding me there was beauty worth living for. I had battled with mental health for over half my life, a combination of being frustrated with my situation and lack of ability. In 2018 I wondered if other people would benefit from what I do. So on a whim I set up a Facebook post seeing if anyone wanted to join me in the sea for a dip on the first May bank holiday at Friars cliff beach. I honestly didn't expect anyone to come! To my surprise a group of ladies turned up and we dunked ourselves in the water and laughed endlessly because it was freezing and because everyone thought we were nuts (we were). It was so fun I don't think anyone went home in a dull mood.
From then onwards we did the same every Sunday morning rain or shine, all year round. It's just an experience of laughter and happiness with new friends every week. To this date I have never had to go in alone on a Sunday morning.
We moved the swims to Boscombe mainly for access reasons and the hot showers (a generous reward after being so cold). The group has grown over the years and we have the same laughter every week. For many it's an escape from the normalities of life, a place to feel alive, wash away the mind's worries and make new friends. We always hang around for coffee and chats after. It's always been a very relaxed and open group that anyone can join. I've always wanted it to be a place for people to come and feel welcomed and warmed by others. Coldwater Collective is a non-profit community organisation to help others get in the sea and experience the benefits of cold water swimming. For many I think it's really helped them and has been a reason to get out of bed on a horrible day.
What inspired you to follow this path?
The inspiration came initially from being disabled. I was born with primary lymphedema and suffered from an immune disease that rendered me useless on land, in the sea I am totally free. It's the place I feel truly happy and the place I actually feel capable of doing things. I wanted to share with others what it taught me and how it helped me. I figured that way no one would have to swim alone and no one would ever be left out.
What does the sea mean to you?
The sea for me is a lifeline, it's what inspired me to do water photography and painting and gave me a purpose to live. It's a therapy and a hobby. Without the sea I feel like I've lost a part of who I am. Mentally it is what keeps me going and I always look forward to any trip into the water. My future holidays always depend on what sea and what ocean I will be in.
I have discovered since running this group that for many others it is the same, it's a chance for people to get outside, make new friendships and be at their favourite place with others who are just as happy to share their story. It plays a huge role in mental health, the sea provides an escapism and a release to those who need it.
When I look at the pictures of our swimmers after a dip not one person looks sad. Every person in that shot has a huge smile on their face. It's brought together a big community of people of all ages who all love the water. My favourite part of this group is the connections it's made for people, many now life long friends!
What is your creative vision for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole?
We are lucky to have such a vibrant creative community in Bournemouth and we have a wonderful support network within our artists, designers, illustrators and makers. I would like to see more open artists studios and workspaces that are affordable and accessible for all. Definitely more exhibitions in open spaces and disused shops. We have a wonderful culture for it and so many empty places due to rising rents.
Personally, I hope to continue more as a swimming group and work with more community based projects to get more people involved in the benefits of the sea for free.
