The Know Daily - Thursday 25 January 2024

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France has introduced a month-long ban on nearly all commercial fishing in the Bay of Biscay, a gulf off the country’s western coast, to protect dolphins from accidents with fishing equipment. The move, which affects both French and foreign fishing companies, will see fishing cease almost completely in the area until 20 February.

🏊‍♀️ Taking the plunge

Cold-water swimming can “significantly reduce” menopause and period symptoms, a new study has found. 

What’s the story?
Academics at University College London conducted a survey of 1,114 women who regularly swim in cold water. 785 of those women were going through the menopause at the time - with half reporting that cold-water swimming “significantly reduced” their anxiety. 

“Large minorities” said it also helped to tackle mood swings (35%), low mood (31%) and hot flushes (30%), reported The Guardian, with more than six in 10 saying they swam specifically to address menopausal symptoms.

What else did we find out?
Those who swam for longer or more regularly reported greater benefits, said researchers. 711 women in the study group also had menstrual (period) symptoms, with 38% citing better control of their mood swings as a result of cold-water swimming.

Why is this a big deal?
The study’s senior author Prof Joyce Harper said she hoped the findings would provide an “alternative solution” for women struggling with the menopause and “encourage more women to take part in sports”. 

One 54-year-old woman who took part in the survey described the experience of cold-water swimming as “healing”, and stressed the community it had given her. “The camaraderie, shared stories and laughter are part of the magic,” she said.

That sounds pretty great.
Agreed. It is, however, worth pointing out that cold-water swimming “comes with certain risks”, said The Telegraph, with Harper also emphasising that water quality standards can vary greatly around the UK. 

But if this latest news has left you keen to take the plunge yourself, check out the Outdoor Swimming Society’s tips on acclimatising to cold water. They also have this handy list of local swim groups across the UK.