So, the cold weather, amongst other things, put an end to our swimming activities for the moment… However, there are still plenty of opportunities for a bracing dip out there. Last year we joined the crowds (considerably larger than in 2008, despite the snow on the ground at the time) at the Brockwell Lido in south London for their midwinter swim. When we arrived the icebreaker was still at work smashing the ice up at the shallow end (where all but the hardcore triathlete types were to swim).
Q: Why did the penguins jump up and down when they met? A: To break the ice! Image source: nothingtoseehere at Flickr
After a brief safety talk by a Lido staff with a loudhailer, which mostly consisted of “you don’t have to you know”, there was a mass jumping into the rather chilly water, followed by wailings and climbings-out. Like most, we were content with a short circular swim out around the shallow end – I personally enjoyed the rather strange feeling of being in a swimming pool full of slabs of ice (a good 2-3 cm thick) which didn’t feel any colder than the water (since of course it isn’t).
Us in the middle! Image source: nothingtoseehere at Flickr
After beating a hasty retreat swimmers found themselves covered in scratches from the ice – all part of the invigorating experience (probably). As might be expected, the cafe did a roaring trade in all things hot and wet, and the Lido Users Group seemed to get quite a bit of attention – and hopefully managed to persuade people that it’s not usually as cold! Indeed, the lido is usually open only for the summer, though last year saw opening being extended into October (and again next year) – see the official website if you’re interested.
There are some more pictures of people looking cold over here.
Getting There
I’m not actually sure the midwinter swim is on this year – but there are midwinter and Christmas swims in various places – and many are listed in Kate Rew’s book. Brockwell Lido is however a great place for a swim anyway, and easy to get to. It’s only a stone’s throw from Herne Hill station (from Victoria and Thameslink stations including St Pancreas and Blackfriars), and about 15 mins walk from Brixton tube. Buses 3, 68, 196, 322 and 468 stop nearby. Check for directions from elsewhere in London at TfL, and from elsewhere at National Rail Enquiries.
