Bathing water status - Grant Zehtmayer
Dawnstalkers is more than 100 members strong with more on the periphery, its founder Grant Zehtmayer says, who dip in and out. They meet every day before morning breaks, whatever the weather. A Penarth resident, Grant started the group after challenging himself to get in the water every day whilst doing dry January during lockdown and feeling a need to ‘break out from the repression’. Grant said: “Just, wow! I can’t believe Penarth has received ‘Excellent’ status – this is nothing short of amazing. I hope this opens up opportunities for our lovely seafront and Penarth in general, while giving confidence that our muddy sea is perfectly good to swim in. He continued: “Dawnstalkers has changed my life. Knowing that everyday there will be someone ready to brave the cold sea with you is really quite special. Our amazing community are so supportive of each other and that in itself is a big positive tick for our mental health. Cold water swimming is a big mood boost as it produces serotonin and dopamine. Can you get a better start to your day than a happiness hit like that? “Working from home can be quite isolating and now that the cold and dark nights are setting in, we want to welcome anyone to come down and join us at sunrise.”
