Swimming for Shelter
Swimming to raise funds for the New Phoebe House in Tacoma, Washington. Donate here.
Originally from the UK, Joanne Allum is a water soul through and through. Growing up playing in the chilly waters of the English Channel nurtured her love for everything ocean – especially cold ocean. Moving to Gig Harbor, Washington more than a decade ago introduced her to a way to channel her cold-water swimming passion into something more; a way to support women in serious need. Every year she and 20 other brave souls compete in a mile-long, open water swim across the dark, frigid, fast-moving waters of Colvos Passage, Puget Sound, to raise funds for the New Phoebe House in Tacoma, Washington State. (This year’s challenge takes place on July 29th. To learn more about New Phoebe House and how you can sponsor Joanne, click here.)
I am incredibly excited to bring Joanne’s story and voice to paper in the following interview and give you an opportunity to support a much-needed cause by sponsoring Joanne in this year’s Swim for Shelter fundraiser. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
1. Please introduce yourself. Who are you and where are you based?
I’m a 42 year old water soul. I love to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, sail and generally be on or in water in almost any temperature or weather. I am married and have three children (24, 12, 10) and two step children (21, 19), and when I’m not with family, friends or in the water, I lead a guest communications team for a US Airline -, which fits wonderfully with my passion for travel and finding new places to swim!
2. How long have you been cold-water swimming?
I have been swimming ever since I remember. I think I was swimming around three years old. My first memory of swimming is in my grandparent’s outdoor pool in England. It was pretty cold but I loved it. I have always swam on and off all my life for recreation and exercise, but have never competed in clubs. My first open water race was in a lake, when I was in my late 20s and it was the first time I had to wear a wetsuit. I only did it because my daughter was competing as she was a club swimmer, so I thought it would be fun to participate in my age group and I really enjoyed it.
My most memorable cold water swim was the Dart 10K. A 10 km swim down the river Dart in the South West of England. The event is held over a weekend so you can swim either Saturday or Sunday, or do the “Double” and swim both days. I did the Double for my first attempt, and loved every moment. We had perfect conditions. It was a bright day and I could see green rolling fields and pretty cottages against a clear blue sky as I swam the course by. About 400 swimmers each day entered the water in waves based on our mile times and we were cheered on by people sailing the river, and by volunteers at the floating feeding stations set up to provide hydration and snacks to the swimmers along the course. Swimmers could be in the water between 1.5 and 4 hours, I completed it in 2:22:53 on the Saturday and 2:23:50 on the Sunday. I was very pleased with the consistency!
Since I moved to Gig Harbor, I am fortunate to have access to open water and enjoy swimming at the State Park beaches and Lake Cushman. If I am going anywhere, even for a night, I always pack a swimsuit and goggles, just in case there is an opportunity to swim. This year I have enjoyed swimming in the Sound (cold), Lake Cushman (can be cold), Lake Chelan (can be cold), Greece (really not cold) and coastal waters of Devon in the UK (cold). In the UK, I have also loved swimming in larger outdoor pools called Lidos that are notoriously cold and one of my favorite swimming spots is on the Channel Island of Guernsey – the bathing pools. These are Victorian era, cement-lined pools built into rocks by the sea and they fill up with fresh sea water with each tide. So like sea swimming with structure or a “safety net” if you will. My children’s Godmother lives there and when I visit, I like to warm up in the pools before heading down the steps into the sea for an open water swim (tide willing).
3. How do you prepare for the cold water? Does it affect you in any way?
As cold water typically means open water, my first concern is safety and ensuring that I have an orange tow float to make me visible to boats or other water users, I also ensure that if I am swimming alone I have shore or surface support keeping an eye on me in case I get into difficulty for whatever reason. If sea swimming, I check tides so I’m aware of water flow and the possibility of drifting assists with the current and plan my entrance and exit accordingly.
In terms of other kit, I love the actual feeling of water so if possible ~I prefer to swim skins (without a wetsuit) in cold water, but I do wear water shoes to protect my feet in and out of the water. If my feet are good, it almost doesn’t matter what the water temp is.
The rest of prep is to do with making sure the exit from the water is comfortable. I do this by taking warm water to pour over myself post swim, making sure I can comfortably change into warm clothing. In winter I may put hand warmers in my shoes and take a flask of mint tea too.
Cold water, for me, delivers three unique things in quick succession:
A sense of calm in the water – possibly due to a combination of the attack on all senses – touch, sound, smell, taste, sight or possibly because you are literally immersed in nature. Just you and the elements (and your water shoes!). Everything looks different from the water, it gives you a different physical and mental perspective
A sense of accomplishment – it really is mind over matter, and just getting into cold water, let alone swimming any distance can be a feat.
All the endorphins – My mood always improves after swimming but after an open water/cold/water swim – it’s the best. Like a natural high that can set you up for the rest of the day or longer.
I love the balance it can provide, being in nature, taking time out and unplugging from everything in a very elemental way. After a rough day or a stressful time it can be a cathartic way to reset and destress. The mental health benefits are proven over and over again in various studies to show how it can help with everything from anxiety, and depression, to grief and insomnia.
4. Can you please tell me a bit about this “Swim For Shelter” and what it stands for?
I have previously swum the Colvos Passage for different causes but this year it is dubbed “Swim For Shelter” as we are supporting New Phoebe House – a Tacoma-based organization that provides a safe place for women who are experiencing homelessness and/or recovering from substance addiction. The course is just over a mile crossing Colvos Passage, starting from Vashon Island and ending at Point Richmond in Gig Harbor and this year will be my 8th time swimming it and raising money for a worthy cause.
5. What is the New Phoebe House and why are they important?
New Phoebe House is a local organization that is dedicated to providing long-term safety, stability and support to women in recovery to reunite with their children and improve prospects for themselves and their family. For up to two years, basic daily needs are provided so each mother can focus on her recovery, education, job skills, parenting skills, and continuing steps to be able to support her children in a stable home. As a mother myself, I think this is a holistic approach that has the ability to improve the lives and potential of the whole family, and why I am happy to support New Phoebe House.
6. How can someone donate? (Do you have a link?)
Please click HERE if you wish to donate.
7. How many swimmers are with you?
The event typically caps out around 20 swimmers, each with their open kayaker to keep it manageable and safe. It is a busy waterway, especially on a summer weekend.
8. Do you swim with other women too?
Open water swimming for recreation purposes seems to attract more women than men in my opinion. I joined a YMCA swim group called Bernardo’s All Stars just before lockdown and when the pools closed we took to open water swimming 2-3 times a week, either at American Lake in Lakewood, WA or Jack Hyde Beach Park along the Tacoma/Ruston waterfront. There was always at least a ratio of 4:1, women to men. It created a huge sense of camaraderie, as we are always encouraging and watching out for each other (and for jelly fish!) in the cold water.
That said, my husband is my most regular swimming partner, from pool training sessions, Lido swims when we go to the UK, to open water. It’s nice to have someone that when it’s raining outside and you say that you’d like to go for a sea swim, they simply ask “Which towels should we take?”
9. Lastly, can you share why you are drawn to open water swimming in cold ocean waters?
I can best describe open water swimming as meditation. Like most sports, you focus on your breath and movement, but open water swimming is more grounding than that – it’s elemental. It’s a sport or activity that requires you to be 100% present in nature – no music, screen, phones or other distractions. Just you and the water (and water shoes!), and it demands you be aware of your safety, surroundings, and body temperature, yet at the same time, you can just “be”.
10. Is there anything I’ve missed? Anything you’d like to share?
Being British, my husband and I have always talked of swimming the English Channel. It may be time to put our names down for the 2025 or 2026 season!
If you wish to donate to the New Phoebe House please click here, every penny helps.