Last Saturday afternoon (writes a correspondent) was so inviting, despite an east wind, that I decided to have my first bathe. White Rock, Killiney, was the place which I eventually selected for that gruesome effort. It is about the most sheltered place on the south side of the city. The air was pleasantly warm when I arrived, but not so warm when I had undressed. After one plunge I was out of the water, doubting if I had ever felt anything so cold in my life. However, it was worth it, especially when I was bragging about it afterwards at home.
I noticed, by the way, that there were about six other hardy bathers on the beach, and all were women. It is curious how women seem to stand cold better than men. Good girl swimmers never seem to stay in the water for less than half-an-hour. For myself, I never last longer than ten minutes. These girls on Saturday not only bathed, but indulged in a long sun bath.
The Irish Times, May 7th, 1931.