This weekend brave simmers are set to compete at Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham in a series of timed races out on the open water.
The event on Saturday January 10 and Sunday January 11 will bring together cold-water swimmers of all abilities and speeds from across the country.
A special 25 metre "pool" is being set up on the main lake with race distances ranging from 50m sprints up to 1,000m and two relay races. Saturday is Endurance Day.
The rules state that competitors can only wear normal swimming costumes with one swim cap and anything neoprene, like a wetsuit, is banned.
Swimmers taking part need cold water experience and must complete a disclaimer confirming your cold-water experience because it will be REALLY COLD! The water temperature is expected to be below 5c and the air temperature even lower.
The event was announced in 2023 and first held at Rother Valley. It was established as a joint venture between Swim Your Swim and 100% Swimming. Organisers say that it "is swimming for swimmers by swimmers."
Zoky Saunascape, a company that brings the transformative power of sauna and cold plunge to beautiful outdoor settings. will be there on both days offering competitors free sauna access to help them warm up, wind down, and recover in style.
Spectators are encouraged to come along and cheer on the swimmers. There is no fee, other than the cost to park at the country park. Supporters and spectators can also pay to use the sauna.
Rotherham has become a hot bed for cold water swimming with clubs including Manvers, Harthill and Thrybergh, where the country park also hosts events such as those organised by the British Long Distance Swimming Association. Rother Valley has previously hosted the Swim England Open Water National Age Group Championships and the Open Water National Masters Championships.
Really Cold Swim Championships
Rother Valley Country Park website
Images: Really Cold Swim Championships / Facebook
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