Swimmers break the ice

Outdoor Swimming Society takes the plunge

It is a chilly December afternoon, ice sits in the air and people are huddled together wrapped up against the cold.Now they strip down to their bathers and in a bout of utter madness, they launch themselves into freezing water.

That’s what happens at a Plum Pudding Plunge – an outdoor swim with a difference. The Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS) has organised a ‘festive dip’ in Parliament Hill Lido on Saturday December 5th.

The London event hopes to attract swimmers from all over the country, launching the festive swimming season and everyone is welcome to take part or just watch the hysteria.

Swimmers will be rewarded with mince pies and hot tubs while they talk about their experience through chattering teeth. Participants are encouraged to swim two lengths of the lido, with four or six for the bravest.

Experienced members of the OSS will tell the crowds inspiring tales of swimming in the Corryvreckan whirlpool (a huge natural whirlpool in the sea off the west coast of Scotland), crossing the country's busiest shipping channel, swimming down the Thames under the full moon and swimming with seals.
“It’s pleasure, it’s pain, it’s something you don’t do every day,” said Kate Rew, founder of the OSS. “And the pleasures of freezing your baubles off shouldn’t be underestimated!”

The event will also launch the OSS Guide to Festive Dipping, an online swim map which details events going on across the country so interested dippers can find their nearest event.

The OSS is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation, set up in 2006. It spreads the joy of outdoor swimming by giving people the inspiration, information and social networks they need to enjoy the freedom and adventure of swimming outdoors.  

The event kicks off at 10am at costs £15 and you can register at www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com