Taking the plunge
Donning bright-coloured swimsuits and headgear ranging from sombreros to flowery or hand-shaped caps, swimmers dove into an almost-freezing outdoor pool for the UK Cold Water Swimming Championships.
Built in 1906, the Tooting Bec lido is one of Britain’s oldest and the race, held every two years, draws dozens of swimmers of all ages who brave temperatures as low as 1 degree Celsius.
A swimmer prepares to get into the water.
A swimmer takes part in a race.
A man prepares to get into the water.
A swimmer wearing a hand-shaped swimming hat participates in race.
Swimmers sit on a bench before their race.
Men prepare to get into the water.
A man competes in the race.
A woman prepares to dive into the water.
A woman competes in the championships.
A swimmer reacts after competing.
Swimmers in costume react after racing.
