Sea swimming was my saviour. But the dumping of sewage changed everything | Jo Bateman

My daily dips were a game-changer for my mental health. Now I'm suing the water company that's deprived me of themSix years ago, I was living in the Midlands, about as far away from the sea as you can get. But during a week of walking from Poole to Lyme Regis, I fell in love with that vast blue space and its ability to restore my mind and body. I went home, handed in my notice, put my house on the market and within a few months I was living in Exmouth, Devon - a stone's throw from the most beautiful beach, almost two miles of unbroken golden sand.I still remember my first outdoor swimming experience, in Exmouth's sheltered Pirate Cove - how I felt as the cold began to creep up from my toes. Endorphins coursed through me. I was buzzing, grinning, full of joy, and from that moment I was hooked. I began to swim daily.Jo Bateman is a retired physiotherapist. She lives in Exmouth, Devon, and swims in the sea all year roundDo you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...