Lido Love
JONATHAN COWIE
Lidos were where my love affair with open water swimming blossomed. I had always enjoyed swimming, but the heady mix of swimming outdoors, cold water and community that I discovered at Tooting Bec Lido fifteen years ago was transformative. In many ways I was spoilt: at 91 metres long not only is Tooting Bec Lido the jewel in London’s lido crown, but the South London Swimming Club – which runs the pool in winter – is also the epitome of an active and supportive cold water swimming community. Whether you were a competitive swimmer or a winter dipper, there was place for you in the club (and in the winter sauna!).