In our sea of customers, we are fortunate to have author Sarah Kennedy Norquoy. In 2019, she published a memoir chronicling her transformative journey into open water swimming. The journey starts when she is facing a ‘big’ birthday, and so decided to do a to-do list of activities before the big day. One of these activities was open water swimming. This adventure coincided with two heart-breaking events: the death of a close friend and the diagnosis of dementia in her mum (and later her father).
The Birth of a Memoir
I had the pleasure of chatting with Sarah, who still cannot believe the response her book has received. In her own words:
"I was documenting a lot about Mum and her dementia journey and it ended up becoming a book. I have always written; I was a blogger. I used to write a blog almost every day and that is how I found that I could communicate through writing. So to me, writing it down and sharing it was a huge help because so many people got in touch with me from all over the world. I have people from just about every continent now messaging me, saying, 'Oh my gosh, I know exactly how that feels. I can so relate to that.' Whether it is a funny little story or something really sad, it has been incredibly helpful to know I am not alone. It has helped me express how I feel."
For me, that genuine connection and openness was the book’s greatest selling point. As I read, I felt as though Sarah was sitting right there with me, voicing thoughts I often whispered to myself, and sparking memories of when a family member had dementia.
The Honest Truth About Open Water Swimming
Sarah’s memoir does not claim that open-water swimming is a silver bullet for life’s problems. It is a process. In our conversation, she candidly explained:
"Life is waves, you know. Seasons. You can have good and bad things happening in the same day. Even if something dreadful is happening in the background – like dealing with parents who have dementia – you can have moments in the water when you simply forget everything else. Swimming is not the answer to everything but it is a valuable coping mechanism. I tend to shy away from calling it 'the answer' because nothing is."
Her most quoted line from the book, "Your now picture is not your forever picture," resonated deeply with me. It reminds us that, no matter how we feel at this moment, things can and will change, often for the better. Had someone told my 20-year-old self that in twenty years I would be regularly diving into cold water for pure pleasure, while also running an après swim apparel company after inventing the Changing Tube, I would never have believed it.
A Journey of Transformation
What struck me most about Salt on My Skin is its raw honesty. Sarah does not sugar-coat her struggles – she talks openly about the complexities of body image, the impact of personal loss, and the challenges of navigating life’s unpredictable tides. Yet, amid all this, she found empowerment in the water. As she puts it:
"I was able to completely switch off when I was in the water. The phone cannot ring, there are no text messages. I find it so empowering. It has taught me that it does not matter what shape or size you are, or who you are. It is a great leveller. I realised I am capable of so much more than I ever thought possible."
Her journey is a testament to how the simple act of swimming can mark a turning point in life – drawing a clear line between who you were before and who you become after taking that brave plunge. It led her to publish her memoir, build a supportive social media following, and start vital conversations about dementia.
Solace in Swimming
Sarah is currently working on her second book. If you have not yet picked up Salt on My Skin, I wholeheartedly give it 10 out of 10. It is a beautifully honest account that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by life yet found solace in the simple, powerful act of swimming.
Available on Amazon and good book shops.
Salt on My Skin is more than a memoir – it is a reminder that sometimes the most transformative journeys begin with a single, brave step.
For a great read about what the cold water does to your body, read my book review of Winter Swimming: The Nordic Way Towards a Healthier and Happier Life.
