A group of adventurous swimmers, mostly women aged 35 to 79, gather in Northern California to swim in a secret river spot that rarely exceeds 55 degrees Fahrenheit. These swimmers embrace cold-water swimming despite the risk of hypothermia because it boosts their mood and well-being. Formed in response to COVID-19 pool closures in the spring of 2020, the informal club now includes over 30 members who don wetsuits and swim distances ranging from a few hundred yards to four miles, occasionally encountering harbor seals and great blue herons.
  

Key Points: 

1. A group of daring swimmers, primarily women, meet in Northern California to partake in cold-water swimming in a river that rarely exceeds 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. The swimmers formed their group in response to COVID-19-related pool closures in the spring of 2020, with over 30 members joining through word of mouth.
3. Despite the risk of hypothermia, these swimmers find that cold-water swimming enhances their mood and overall well-being, providing a sense of confidence and joy.

Source: https://www.outsideonline.com/gallery/cold-water-swimming-ice-wim-hof-huberman