Seizing the years with Justine Clement

I recently had the pleasure of virtually connecting with Justine Clement, a remarkable member of the Yeu Zone whose passion for outdoor swimming is truly inspiring. Part based on the English coast, Justine is a dedicated advocate for sea swimming and the founder of the Selsey Sea Bathing Society – a vibrant community which reflects her deep connection to the water. I asked Justine about her lifelong relationship with swimming, her recent achievements in open-water events, and her vision for staying active as she grows older. Here’s a glimpse into our insightful conversation.

Rachael: Justine, it’s clear that the sea has always been an important part of your life. Can you take us back to the beginning? How did your relationship with the sea begin?

Justine: My connection to the sea goes back to my childhood. I was born near the Gower Peninsula where my father grew up and where my grandparents lived, and then moved to Cornwall when I was three. The sea was always there, part of the landscape of my life. It feels natural to me that when you live by the sea, you're drawn to be in it, but I've found that's not the case for everyone! My father played a big role in that—he used to take me to the north coast of Cornwall, which is along the Atlantic. He taught me how to navigate the waves, to not be afraid of them but to move with them.

Rachael: It sounds like your dad was quite influential in shaping your love for the sea. What were those early days by the sea like for you?

Justine: They were magical. I have this vivid memory of being with my dad, standing on the shore as these big waves rolled in. He showed me how to face the waves, how to jump with them or dive under. There was a sense of excitement, of learning to trust the sea but also respect it. We didn’t do many formal activities like sailing in those days, but I spent hours just playing in the water, swimming, and exploring. It was a big part of my life, and it’s stayed with me.

Rachael: You mentioned that you didn’t get into surfing when you were growing up, which is surprising given Cornwall’s reputation as a surfing hot spot. Was that a conscious choice?

Justine: It’s funny because looking back, I wish I had tried it. But at that time, surfing and certain sports like football weren’t really encouraged for girls. It was more of a boys’ thing, and I guess I just didn’t think about doing it. And to be honest, I was playing county tennis and a lot of squash back then, so there was only so much time available. I regret not challenging that mindset because now I see how much fun it could have been. I did learn to windsurf though, but that was much later. Being in the sea in one form or another has always been foundational in my life, I can't imagine my life without it.

Rachael: As you've grown older, has your connection to the sea changed or deepened in any way?

Justine: It's definitely deepened - becoming more than just a playground; it has become a place of solace, a space where I can clear my head. Even when I moved to London, I found myself missing the sea. I’d go to Hampstead Ladies Pond just to swim in natural water in my lunch break, it's magical but it wasn’t the same as being in the sea. There’s something about the vastness of the sea, the unpredictability, that draws you in. It’s meditative. When I’m in the water, everything else fades away.

Rachael: You’ve touched on something profound there. The sea is clearly a special place for you. How does it impact you emotionally and mentally?

Justine: That’s exactly it, Rachael. The sea is a place where I can lose myself, but in a good way. There’s a little poster I have that says, “Into the sea, I lose my mind and find my soul.” It’s like a reset button. When I go into the water, I let go of all the worries and stresses of daily life. The cold water shocks you into the present moment, and there’s this incredible rush of endorphins that follows. It’s both calming and exhilarating at the same time. I come out feeling refreshed. It’s a powerful, cleansing experience.

Rachael: I love that. The sea seems to offer you both challenge and comfort. Speaking of challenge, how does open water swimming in the sea compare to swimming in a pool?

Justine: Oh, it’s worlds apart. Swimming in a pool is controlled and predictable, which can be nice, but the sea is alive. It has its own moods and character. For example, in Bournemouth on the south coast of England where I went to uni, the beach is sandy, and you can walk straight into the water. But in other places like Cornwall or Selsey where I swim with my group, it’s much more complex. You have to deal with tides, currents and wind, as well as the terrain as it's rocky underfoot You need to be aware of what’s happening around you. The sea is always changing, and that unpredictability is part of what makes it so invigorating. It demands respect and attention.

Rachael: It sounds like your swimming group is very close-knit. Can you tell me more about the community aspect? How did this group come together, and what does it mean to you?

Justine: The community aspect is incredibly important. I came up with the idea of setting up a community sea bathing group five and a half years ago as a way to connect with others, aid loneliness and encourage people back into the sea as a way to improve their confidence. People have come and gone over the years, but during Covid, lots more people moved to the area and joined us, some had recently retired, and some were making a lifestyle change.

I guess many were curious about sea swimming with a group, even if they hadn’t done much of it before. I think for many, it’s about finding something new at a different stage of life. Broadly speaking our group ranges from men and women in their 50s to some in their mid-80s, although we do have one or two younger members, too. Community groups like this can become a kind of support system—a place where we not only swim, but also share stories, laugh, and look out for each other. It's an absolute joy!

Rachael: It’s amazing to hear about the age range in your group. How does the presence of swimmers in their 80s influence the group dynamic?

Justine: They are an inspiration to us all. Showing us what’s possible, normalising it. What I love, is hearing how much they enjoy every moment of swimming with others in the group, whatever the weather - the depths of winter included. It’s a powerful reminder that ageing doesn’t have to mean slowing down or withdrawing from these kinds of activities (cold water swimming is considered a dangerous activity in the UK!) Instead, it’s about embracing new challenges and staying active. Being 80 is not what it once was - my mother still goes to the gym three times a week and walks 30 miles a week. These influencers help us see ageing in a more positive light - they are trailblazers!

Rachael: That’s so inspiring. It seems like your group is about more than just swimming; it’s about belonging and empowerment.

Justine: Absolutely. I've noticed that for many people, there can be a loss of confidence as they get older, or they might feel isolated after moving to a new area. The sea can be intimidating if you’re not used to it, and that’s where the group comes in. We support each other, whether it’s helping someone navigate the rocks to get into the water or just being there to chat and listen. It’s a community in the truest sense of the word. And the sea itself plays a big role in that, of course. It’s a great equalizer—once you’re in the water, it doesn’t matter how young or old you are, what your background is, or what you do for a living. We’re all just swimmers, enjoying the moment together.

Rachael: You’ve mentioned that the sea is a place where you feel a deep connection with nature. How does being in the water connect you to the natural world around you?

Justine: The connection to nature is one of the most powerful aspects of sea swimming. When you’re in the water, you’re fully immersed in the elements. You feel the temperature of the water, the pull of the current, and the texture of the seaweed brushing against your skin. You become acutely aware of the weather—whether the sun is shining, the wind is blowing, or the rain is falling. It’s a sensory experience that brings you right into the present moment. You’re not just observing nature; you’re part of it. And that connection is incredibly grounding. It reminds you that you’re just a small part of a much larger ecosystem.

Rachael: Amazing. Tell me about how sea swimming offers lessons in resilience.

Justine: The sea is constantly changing—sometimes it’s calm and inviting, and other times it’s rough and challenging. You have to adapt to those conditions, which teaches you a lot about resilience. There are days when the water is freezing cold, or the waves are a bit daunting, but pushing through that discomfort makes you stronger, both physically and mentally. It’s like life in a way—sometimes things are tough, but you learn to ride the waves, to keep going, and to find joy in the experience, no matter what. It’s also a reminder that we’re not in control of everything, and that’s okay. Sometimes you just have to let go and trust the process.

Rachael: That’s such a valuable perspective. It seems like the sea has taught you many life lessons over the years.

Justine: It really has. The sea has been a constant teacher for me —of humility, patience, and respect. It’s a place where you can’t force anything; you have to work with what’s there, and that’s a lesson that applies to so many areas of life. Being in the sea also teaches you to be present, to appreciate the moment you’re in, because conditions can change so quickly. Perhaps it’s made me more adaptable and more accepting of life’s unpredictabilities.

Rachael: What advice would you give to someone who’s considering taking up sea swimming but might be a little hesitant?

Justine: My advice would be to start slowly and find a supportive community, of which there are now many. Don’t feel like you have to dive into the deep end—literally or figuratively—right away. Start with short swims in calmer conditions, and gradually build your confidence. And if you can, join a group or find a swim buddy. Having people around you who can share their experiences, offer advice, and encourage you makes all the difference. Also, listen to your body and respect the sea. It’s important to be safe and to know your limits, but don’t be afraid to push yourself a little bit too. The rewards are well worth it.

Rachael: It’s inspiring to hear about how integral swimming is to your life. How do you see your relationship with swimming continuing over the next few decades? Do you imagine yourself as an 85-year-old still swimming with the group?

Justine: I definitely plan to keep sea swimming until I die! There’s something about it that’s so deeply embedded in who I am. Even when I lived in London, far from the coast, I always felt this pull to the water. I was lucky enough to find a place like Selsey which allowed me to reconnect with that part of myself and be part of an incredibly enriching community. That’s how the Selsey Sea Bathing Society began and it’s become such a big, important part of my life.

Rachael: So you see this as a lifelong connection?

Justine: Absolutely. I don’t think that yearning for the sea will ever go away. Over the last few years, being part of this group has actually deepened my relationship with swimming. I’ve started doing events that I never would have considered before. Just a few weeks ago, I swam around St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, and in the past few years, I’ve participated in events up in Snowdonia, including a 3K swim.

These aren’t things I did for the recognition or to challenge myself in the traditional sense—I just wanted to do them because they felt like great experiences to have. I’m rediscovering what it means to be a stronger swimmer, not just in terms of fitness but also in embracing the adventure and the joy of it.

Rachael: It sounds like swimming has evolved into something even more meaningful for you as you’ve gotten older. What does the future look like for you in terms of physical activity and staying connected to the sea?

Justine: Swimming has definitely become more central to how I stay active, especially after I had a big knee operation a few years ago from a skiing accident. I’ve always been sporty—I love cycling, playing tennis, and going to the gym—but I’m mindful of how those activities might change as I get older. Running, for example, isn’t great for my knees anymore.

I used to play a lot of squash, but that’s off the table now, too. Tennis is still something I enjoy, but I’ve seen women just a bit older than me have to give it up due to knee issues, and I’m aware that could happen to me. Swimming, though, is different. It’s low-impact, so it’s something I can see myself doing well into old age. I want to keep building on that strength, perhaps doing more fun events or simply enjoying the water in different places.

I don’t think I’ll ever lose that childlike sense of wonder and enjoyment when I’m in the sea. It’s funny—whenever I take people into the water, I see how much they light up, how it brings out that sense of play that we often lose as adults. It gets squashed out of us. I think that’s something so valuable, and it’s something I want to hold on to for as long as I can.

Rachael: Do you have any particular dreams or goals as you look to the future?

Justine: I suppose my dream is just to keep swimming, to keep that connection alive. I’d love to continue discovering new places to swim and maybe inspire others to take the plunge, no matter their age. It’s less about setting specific goals and more about embracing the journey. I hope I will also be that 85-year-old in the group, still swimming, still loving every minute of it. And more than that, I hope to see all the other women my age in the group doing the same! I think that’s the beauty of swimming—it’s something you can do your entire life. The sea has always been there for me, and I plan to be there for it, too, for as long as I can.

Thank you so much, Justine, for sharing your story with us! If you would like to be featured or know someone who would be great to feature, please don’t hesitate to email yourfriends@helloyeu.com 😊

Seize the years, Rachael Jennings | Co-Founder + CBO, Yeu