We caught up with Lucy Johnson, a cold water swimmer from Devon, to chat about one of her favourite swim spots, Devil’s Point, also known as Firestone Bay, and her top tips for dipping a toe into open water this spring.
What makes Firestone Bay such a great swim spot?
"Firestone Bay is a pretty beach located on the edge of the city of Plymouth. Plymouth is a city rich in naval history and a busy port, but amongst the hustle and bustle this beautiful swim spot is nestled on the headland of the River Tamar, just a stone’s throw across the water to Cornwall and has panoramic views to Drake’s Island across Plymouth Sound."
Is Firestone Bay a popular spot for swimmers?
"It is a well-loved spot for swimmers and was recently awarded bathing water status. The bay has clearly marked yellow buoys for a designated swimming area which makes it a great place for dipping."
What do you love most about swimming here?
"There are many reasons why this is one of my favourite swim spots. The community of swimmers that bathe here every day make it a friendly place to swim, even if you are solo dipping. The early morning sunrises here are some of the best I have ever seen and there is also a sea pool which is great for families or for having a shallow dip at low tide when you forget your beach shoes.
There is also a lovely bagel café (@thehutongbagelco) nearby which welcomes swimmers from early in the morning and provides hot water bottles to help swimmers warm up."
What are your top safety tips for swimming at Firestone Bay?
"The tides at Firestone Bay can be very strong so I would always recommend swimming within the designated swim areas, using a tow float, and checking the tides before you swim.
I always make a dynamic risk assessment of my swim location and try to be prepared for cold water and the possibility of cold water shock. One of my mantras is that health and safety never has a day off, so with that in mind, wear a wetsuit if you need to, swim with others if you can, and always have a warm-up plan for after your swim."
Any favourite swim kit recommendations?
"I myself am a huge fan of the Warmcor Changing Tube as I wear it for changing and sometimes keep it on all day as an extra layer."
Firestone Bay is a stunning swim location and with Lucy’s expert tips, you will be well prepared to enjoy everything this beautiful spot has to offer.
🧡 Thank you to Lucy for sharing her favourite location. You can follow Lucy on Instagram: @40swims
📍 Find Firestone Bay in Plymouth, Devon (///safety.vest.glue)
🥯 Post swim snack? Head to @thehutongbagelco for a bagel and a warm-up (2min walk)
🛍️ Need a quick change solution? Check out the Warmcor Changing Tube range.
If you would like to share your favourite swimming location like Lucy then get in touch! We would love to hear from you! Just email us at hello@warmcor.com.
