Foley, Ronan (2015) Swimming in Ireland:Immersions in therapeutic blue space. Health and Place, 35. pp. 218-225. ISSN 1353-8292

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Abstract

This paper explores swimming as a healthy body-water engagement in blue space at selected outdoor Irish swimming spots. Associated theoretical underpinnings draw from non-representational theories (NRT). Taking as a starting point the idea of immersion, the paper argues for a deeper application of NRT to blue space settings. In addition, the paper reflects recent therapeutic geographies research on differential experiences of health and wellbeing linked to such immersions. Methodologically, the paper uses observer participation and swimmer ’ s own voices to draw affective and embodied accounts from on and within water. The act of swimming as an emplaced and performed therapeutic encounter is highlighted along with a more critical discussion of contested narratives associated with risk and respect. Theoretical learning suggests the need for greater attention to the production of affect from across the life-course and a fuller articulation of the in-betweenness of theory and empirical testimonies. Swimming emerges from the study as a potentially valuable health and wellbeing resource that can be more fully harnessed to inform wider public health policy

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Swimming; NRT; Blue space; Therapeutic landscapes; Ireland;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Geography
Item ID:	8756
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.09.015
Depositing User:	Dr. Ronan Foley
Date Deposited:	06 Sep 2017 15:36
Journal or Publication Title:	Health and Place
Publisher:	Elsevier
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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