Ripples Beyond the Water: The Power of Community in Open Water Swimming
- Sarah Dobbin
- 13 avr.
- 3 min de lecture
Every Thursday evening, from the end of May until October, a small tradition comes alive at the edge of Meech Lake. For the past five years, we have gathered there, waiting for each other, ready to plunge into the water together. As we dash into the water together, I shout “Let’s do this!”, whether the lake is calm and welcoming, or choppy and cold. What began as a simple idea—swimming with like-minded friends—has grown into Meech & Mingle, a ritual that embodies connection, encouragement, and shared joy.
Whether it’s three of us or twenty-three, we always have a swim plan. We wait for each other along the course, at every buoy, or other markers such as the “swim rocks”. If someone needs to return early, we ensure they have a buddy. Whether we are ex-competitive swimmers or newcomers testing the waters for the first time, whether we are fast or slow, judgment is absent. Instead, there is encouragement, laughter, shared stories, training tips, and the comforting knowledge that we are safe together.
After the swim, we replenish our energy with shared snacks and more conversation, soaking in the beauty that surrounds us and the company that sustains us. Time and again, the sentiment is the same: “Aren’t we so lucky to have this place to swim—and these people to swim with?”
Community in open water swimming is essential. Seeing others in the water inspires newcomers to try something new. By acting positively and safely, we encourage participation and make the sport accessible for everyone.
For many, finding a swim buddy or a supportive group can be challenging—but when one person takes the plunge, it creates an invitation for others to join.
Yet fostering an open water community goes beyond just finding swim buddies. It deepens our connection with the natural world. We notice the seasons, the plants, the wildlife—all thriving in the water we share. The experience fosters a sense of stewardship: to keep our waters clean, accessible, and alive for future swimmers.
By simply swimming, we become advocates. We ask questions like, “Why isn’t this body of water safe to swim in?” and consider ways to make it better. Around the world, initiatives such as Swim, Drink, Fish and the Swimmable Cities Alliance demonstrate how swimmers become guardians of our most precious natural resource. When the water is clean enough for us, it becomes a space for everyone—welcoming all forms of wildlife, recreation, connection, and community.
Small swims can grow into larger movements. Ideas sparked in a single gathering can blossom into events that welcome hundreds of participants of all abilities. Ottawa’s Bring on the Bay, now eighteen years running and with nearly 1,000 participants, began in just this way—a testament to how ripples of connection can grow outward into something extraordinary.
Community in open water swimming is about opportunity. It is about accountability, safety, growth, and pushing our boundaries. It is about bonding with the natural world and embracing the responsibility to protect it. And it is about the promise of future gatherings, bigger swims, and more opportunities to connect, inspire, and be inspired.
The ripples created by open water swimming extend far beyond the water’s edge—reaching into our friendships, our communities, and the broader world. Every swim together, reminding us that when we build this community together, even the smallest swim can create a lasting impact.
Sarah Dobbin
An open water and marathon swimmer based in the Outaouais region, Sarah Dobbin has been swimming in lakes and rivers her whole life. During the pandemic, she began marathon swimming, deepening her connection to the Ottawa River, where she swims year-round—even in winter.
In August 2025, she completed a 50 km swim down the Kichi Zibi (Ottawa River), a powerful journey meant to spark conversation about who the river is for, and how we can share and care for it.
Deeply committed and inspiring, Sarah believes that water is life, and that our rivers and lakes are vital resources to be protected and shared. She also supports Ottawa Riverkeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting the health of the river.
