The wild swimming craze has become so important to some fans that jumping in Scotland’s icy-cold seas and rivers is often likened to a religious experience.
But a group of enthusiasts in Aberdeen have taken it to the next level.
The Wet Bandits group, founded around eight weeks ago, now braves the chilly conditions of the North Sea every single day.
Although it started out as a daring adventure by a handful of pals, after attracting a significant following on the social media platform Instagram, many people now attend their nippy dips.
“Our new religion”
On Sunday, dozens went for a swim in the waters of Cove Harbour, citing recent changes in the Scottish Government’s route out of lockdown stating that from March 24 “communal worship can take place in a place of worship with up to a maximum of 50 people”.
In a tongue in cheek message online, the Bandits said: “You are allowed 50 people in places of worship as of yesterday, so it’s about time we declared the Wet Bandits as our new religion.
“Quite a few baptisms today in our place of worship.”
Under the government’s current timetable of easing restrictions, non-contact outdoor exercise and sport is allowed in groups of up to 15 people.
But because more than 15 people have attended the swims, police have been “engaging with the group” to “remind them of the current government guidelines”.
One of the founders of the Wet Bandits told the P&J yesterday: “It’s gone a bit mad really as we never expected to attract this many people to swim.
“Everyone is entitled to do their exercise, and it’s not an open invite, people are just coming down.
“We stick to Covid rules and keep a distance but it’s outside, it’s the sea.
“People are just down there to swim, where we get changed you can easy get two metres apart for everyone.
“We try to play the game, me and three or four of the other guys that do it every day did a Covid awareness course online.”
Charity fundraisers
He added: “We normally only swim in the summertime, but I went in January with a friend, and after that we had the Instagram and it’s gone a bit crazy.
“It really helps a lot of people get over their anxieties, a lot of people are petrified to come down because the North Sea isn’t really known for swimming, so for them to achieve that and hit their goals and enjoy it, it’s a big thing for them.
“We’re planning on raising money for Mental Health Aberdeen by selling hats with proceeds going to them, and we’re going to do a beach litter pick soon as well on Saturday.”
The police response
A spokesman for the police said: “We have been made aware of concerns about a large number of people meeting to swim in the sea at Cove Harbour and Footdee.
“Officers will be engaging with the group to remind them of the current government guidelines around large gatherings and outdoor exercise.
“Police Scotland’s approach throughout the pandemic has not changed and officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, using enforcement as a last resort.”
“Keep ourselves and others safe”
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said that while getting out and about and fitness is key for people living with lockdown, restrictions are still in place.
She said: “Fresh air and exercise are vital to support our physical and mental health.
“However, we must all remember that a high level of restrictions remain in place across mainland Scotland.
“We should all observe these at all times, to keep ourselves and others safe.”