Line of Departure: Cold Water Dipping at Frensham Great Pond

You must complete and sign the "Medical Declaration Form and Participant Waver" at least 48 hours before your first dip.

Link to form here (copy and paste link into browser):

https://forms.gle/8zEoFzVHCaWZLpba8

About

Line of Departure is a non profit mental health support network. Those attending are in a safe environment to share as much or as little as they wish. A safe space where you can be with like minded people who, through their own experiences, can empathise with you. This is a group for serving military, veterans and first responders. Partners and children are asked not to attend the event. This allows opportunity for those attending to share within a private setting.

Anonymity

Whilst attending a Line of Departure dip, your attendance will not be shared with others. Only those at the dip will know of your attendance. The stigma which revolves around mental health can play a factor in people’s lack of willingness to seek help; therefore, all members share a mutual understanding that this is completely private and our community is built on trust. Any online publications will ensure members’ privacy is respected.

Community

Each person’s length of service and experience within their duty is valid. You can attend the event without ever having been on an operational tour or operational incident. Don’t feel or compare your experiences or service to others within the group. There is always someone with more experience, time in or chest of medals. Support and a non judgmental approach are at the heart of our community. There is no pressure to share anything. Trust is built over time and for some sharing isn’t the reason for attending. But comfort comes from knowing that others are beside you.

While information shared is treated with respect and confidentiality, there is a duty of care to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. Therefore, if it’s believed that a person’s safety, or the safety and welfare of others, is at risk, relevant information will be shared with appropriate professionals or authorities.

Additional Information

Line of Departure cold water dip is a support group for currently serving military, first responders and veterans. It’s aim is to offer support and community. It’s led by a British Army Veteran and current serving firefighter.

It’s important to note that the instructor is not qualified or licensed to provide mental health services. While they deliver instruction or guidance within their passion for cold water dipping, they are not a certified mental health professional and therefore cannot diagnose, treat, or offer professional advice regarding mental health conditions.

For any concerns or needs related to mental health, individuals should seek support from a licensed mental health practitioner, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed counselor.

There is parking provided at Frensham Great Pond. Please note that payment is via RingGo and card payment only. Please download the app and ensure it is working before visiting the site.

Bring a towel or changing robe. The event is held at a public beach and therefore we need to ensure no nudity. You will need to change on the beach (there are no changing rooms, however there are male and female toilets available)

Bring a flask with a brew. The group will meet in all weathers and get in the water regardless of temperature. It’s good to have a warm brew ready on exiting the water. There is a snack bar that serves hot drinks and warm food if required.

Remain respectful of others. We are a community of all ages, body sizes, genders, races and sexualities. Any form of negativity and you will be asked to leave. This is a safe environment for all those attending.

Most importantly. GET IN THE WATER. Whilst in the water, take time for yourself and focus the mind. There are numerous health benefits associated with cold water dipping. Push yourself within the boundaries of your own limits. There is no pressure to fully submerge. But you will get out of it what you put in.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Matt Underwood