“I have swum outside on and off for most of my life after learning to swim at age three, so it’s really a way of life for me. In Shetland, you cannot be more than three miles from the sea, and for the past 10 years, I have swum all year round,” Williamson explains.

“This kind of swimming isn’t for everyone, just like running and aerobics aren’t for me. Weights, walking and outside swimming are more my kind of bag.

“What I love about slow swimming is the tribe you find. You spend time with people like you – those you can laugh, cry and put the world to rights with. You also share those moments of sublime ‘oneness’ with the universe.

“If you want to try it, make sure to do your homework, find a local group and then give it a go and decide if it’s for you. If it is, enjoy!”

6 slow exercisers on the joy of taking things at their own pace