Gael Hope, Nanette Meaney, Brenda Spilva, Dianne McNamara and Vivian Spilva have been taking early morning swims in Lake Mulwala since 2023.
At 6.30 every morning, when most people are still under the doona contemplating fluffy socks and a beanie, one group of very brave souls can be found in Lake Mulwala, shoulder deep in the icy waters.
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Regardless of the temperature, which last Thursday was just two degrees, the Yarrawonga Cold Water Dippers come together to immerse themselves in the water.
The companionship, comradery and concept of breaking through is what motivates the group to get through the next ten minutes.
Nanette Meaney doesn’t shy away from a morning dip and said she’s enjoyed cold water dipping since it began in Yarrawonga almost two years ago.
“At first I went dipping so I could get some relief from my arthritis,” she said.
“The point is, if I can do this, it makes me feel I can do just about anything.”
Although Nanette prefers being cold rather than hot, she said her legs freeze once she entered the water, but the gloves and water boots made the world of difference.
“Once you get out, you must rug up and get home into the shower,” she said.
“I just go in because I enjoy it, the company, and it does me good”.
The Dippers at 6:30am last Thursday, battling the elements.
Nanette joined the Dippers in December 2023, when a Facebook post caught her attention.
Brenda Spilva had posted an expression of interest, to see if anyone would join her for an early morning dip.
Brenda said the Yarrawonga Cold Water Dippers started by accident, when a small group of people showed interest.
“I was really interested, and I tried to do some cold dipping in my own pool in the winter months,” Brenda said.
“But with no accountability, it was hard to get in the water.
“I heard of some groups in Bayside areas across the Mornington Peninsula who body dip year-round.
“With beautiful Lake Mulwala here, I thought why not jump in and see if others would join me.”
The group now has more than a dozen members, but through winter it becomes more of a challenge for people to front up.
Brenda said it was a nice thing for people who may be isolated, to be involved in.
“Social interaction is really good for mental wellbeing and friendships are created from cold dipping,” she said.
Are you game?
• Yarrawonga Cold Water Dippers meet every weekday morning at 6.30am and on weekends at 7.30am.
• There are no requirements to join, and anyone is welcome to come down and say hello first.
