Last year, we did it in small groups or on our own. Two years ago, just before lockdown, we did it as a group of over 300 swimmers in Edinburgh with another 82 groups around the world made up of more than 1800 swimmers all taking the plunge. 

The International Women's Day Swimrise dips (#IWDswimrise) exist so we can get together, celebrate women, celebrate bodies and raise money for charities which support women. 

In 2022 we are raising money for 3 charities: Rape Crisis Edinburgh, Edinburgh Women's Aid and Held In Our Hearts Babyloss Charity.

The last big Edinburgh swim (in 2020) raised over £2000 for Rape Crisis Scotland and Edinburgh Women's Aid and over £11,500 was raised for various women's charities around the world thanks to those 82 swims and all of those wonderful, brave people getting in their cossies and dipping in the sea, lakes, outdoor baths and rivers.  

This specific webpage is raising money for Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre. ERCC offer free and confidential emotional and practical support, information and advocacy to women, all members of the trans community, non-binary people and young people aged 12-18 in Edinburgh, East and Midlothian, who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives. This includes, rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, childhood sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation.

This year, we are planning to wade into the water once more. Please go for a swim wherever you live and if you are in Edinburgh we'd love you to join us! 

At sunrise (6.30am) on the 8th March 2022 we will celebrate women together, raise money, and honour this year's International Women's Day theme: #BreaktheBias.

IWD Swimrise Edinburgh will be at Portobello Beach. The event details can be found here: 

https://fb.me/e/1pBShbQ5Y 

Please gather on the beach in front of the swimming baths at 6.30am and we'll enter the water together at 7am.

*Note that you swim at your own risk.*

We'd love you to share your images of the day on Instagram with @wildswimmingstories with the hashtag  #IWDswimrise2022. Join hands with us virtually in solidarity. We will repost your images so everyone can see the wave of swims they are connected to.

**Please make yourself familiar with helpful safety tips via these links: 

https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/tips-on-winter-swimming/ 

https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/risks-cold-water/

https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/festive-swims-dos.../

https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/warming-up-after.../ 

https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/cold-water-feels-temperature-guide/ 

**There will be a photographer present, if you do not wish to have your photograph taken, please indicate to the photographer at the time** 

#IWDSwimrise2022

See you there!