Outdoor Swimming Society December Dip
If the usual December activities like Christmas shopping and visiting festive markets are not quite adventurous enough, how about diving into an outdoor pool in London? The idea is quite possibly as mad as it sounds, but that doesn’t stop hundreds of brave souls signing up for the Outdoor Swimming Society’s December Dip each year.
This year’s event will take place in the Parliament Hill Lido on Hampstead Heath from 11am to 1pm on Saturday 8th December. Entry is open to anyone who fancies taking part and who does not have any health conditions which could make the cold water unsafe. In case you are wondering just how cold the water is likely to be, the forecast is for between 0.1 and 6 degrees. Very cold indeed! The exact temperature depends on the weather on the day but, as a guide, the coldest year yet was 2010, where the water temperature plunged to just above freezing and the lido had mini-icebergs floating on it. General opinion is whether it is 6 degrees or 0.1 it’s going to feel just as painfully cold!
Wetsuits are not allowed at the event but the Outdoor Swimming Society has advised that wearing gloves and booties can help to alleviate at least some of the pain. All swimmers who take part in the event will be rewarded with a December Dip swimming hat, hot drinks, mince pies, stollen and other delicious festive treats; frankly, we think they deserve all that and more!
As well as the main dip, there will be a special wave for those swimmers who wear fancy dress and an Arctic Adventurers wave. This event is aimed at those who want to swim two lengths of the freezing water, rather than the traditional two widths. Anyone who wants to be an Arctic Adventurer must sign up in advance and the actual swim is by invitation only.
To register for the December Dip, visit the Outdoor Swimming Society’s website. Entry to the event costs £15 per swimmer and spectators are welcome for a £1 donation on the door.
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