A NEW club based in the Cotswolds is aiming to bring the health benefits of outdoor swimming to men.

Blue Bloods Wild Swim Club is being launched by Paul Flynn, founder of outdoor clothing brand diptribe.

Paul, who lives in Cirencester, enjoys swimming in Cotswold lakes across the year and hopes that the group will be “fun, relaxed and non-competitive”.

The club will meet to swim in lakes in the Cotswolds and also plans on taking ‘road-trip-dips’ to rivers and waterfalls.

No experience will be necessary, and there will be no expectation to swim at first.

Commenting on the launch of the group, Paul said: “I noticed that men at the lakes are often on their own, and some of my friends told me they would like to give cold water swimming a go but would rather do it with others.

“Given that men’s mental health is an issue and many find other types of men’s groups beneficial, I’ve decided to start Blue Bloods.

“The first thing I noticed with cold water swimming was the mental effects.

“It gives me euphoria that will last for hours afterwards, partly because of the physical reaction but also because of the sense of achievement.

“Being surrounded by nature is also very calming.”

Men are invited to go along to the club and have a look from the edge of the lake before taking the plunge if they need time to build up confidence.

Paul also hopes that the group will “offer a chance to talk through issues with other men, whether they are serious things like money or relationships or slightly less serious, like sports results.”

Those interested in joining should visit the club’s Facebook group via tinyurl.com/u4ykmtwu