A book by a Cumbrian author which celebrates the magic of cold-water swimming and immersion has been nominated for a major award.
The Cold Fix, by Cockermouth’s Sara Barnes, has been shortlisted in the World Open Water Swimming Association Awards.
The book is one of ten nominees in the ‘product or service of the year’ category.
It is up against products and initiatives from the UK, USA, Ireland and Morocco, with a public vote to decide the winner.
To vote, visit the awards website HERE
Sara’s book, published by Vertebrate Publishing, saw the Cumbrian author detail her personal story behind how she embraced cold-water immersion, as well as collecting stories from fellow enthusiasts from across the world.
She interviewed cold-water ‘dippers’ and swimmers from the UK, USA, Canada, Norway, Belgium and more to discover how cold-water immersion had brought benefit to their lives and well-being.
Sara discovered the wonders of cold water herself when, as a keen runner and cyclist, her mobility became limited by severe osteoarthritis and subsequent surgery.
READ MORE: Cold-water swimmers from across the world plunge into Cumbria's lakes
She went on to discover a community of like-minded people who are addicted to the benefits of cold water.
A group of those she interviewed recently visited Cumbria together to experience the lakes and tarns of the Lake District.
Sara’s fellow nominees in the 2022 WOWSA Awards are Cork Distance Week (Ireland), Swim Secure Tow Float (UK), WOWSA Webinar & Education Series (USA), Sharkbanz (USA), dryrobe® (UK), THEMAGIC5 (USA), Morocco Swim Trek (Morocco), SwimOut (UK) and Sting No More (USA)
WOWSA says the awards are “designed to recognise the hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements in open water swimming from around the globe.
“The 60 nominees [in a range of categories], hailing from 23 different countries, best exemplify the spirit of open water swimming and embody the sense of adventure, tenacity, and perseverance that makes this sport so special.”
Voting is open until January 31.
To vote, visit the awards website HERE
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