Open water swimming has become a popular and thriving activity in Hong Kong, with many enthusiasts citing both physical and mental health benefits. Edie Hu, 49, discovered her passion for open water swimming in 2009 after a background in competitive swimming and water polo. She joined Southside Swimming Hong Kong in 2012, which has grown to over 3,100 members on Facebook. Edie has accomplished remarkable feats, including swimming 45 kilometers around Hong Kong Island for charity in November 2018, setting a record for the Oresund Strait swim in July 2023, and completing the English Channel swim of 33 kilometers in August 2022. Most recently, she swam 32.3 kilometers across the Catalina Channel in September 2023 and plans a 50-kilometer swim for her 50th birthday in 2025 [fe051857].
Another avid swimmer, Olivier Courret, 50, a psychologist and triathlete, is part of the Open Water Swimmers of Hong Kong, which boasts over 3,200 members. He emphasizes the mental health benefits of swimming in open water, which has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Hong Kong's beaches have maintained a 100% compliance rate with water quality guidelines for the past 12 years, and there have been no reported shark attacks since 1995, making it a safe environment for swimmers [fe051857].
The community surrounding open water swimming in Hong Kong continues to grow, with events and charity swims fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants. This trend reflects a broader movement towards outdoor activities that promote both fitness and mental health, making open water swimming an ideal sport for many [fe051857].