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Swimmers brave frozen waters for morning dip

BBC An image of Bridget Betts holding a piece of ice whilst swimming at Spring LakesBBC
Swimmers were able to pick up ice during their outdoor swim at Spring Lakes in Long Eaton

A group of hardy swimmers braved the cold weather for a morning dip at an outdoor water sports venue in Derbyshire.

Seven people turned out for the icy swim in -2C (28F) temperatures at Spring Lakes in Long Eaton on Thursday morning.

Those plunging into the water at 10:00 GMT donned hats and swimsuits to keep the cold at bay.

Michael Smith, 47, from Chellaston in Derby, said: "I wore a shorty as I think wearing a full wetsuit was cheating."

"Getting in cold water wasn't much of an issue but ice was quite a new one," he added.

Caroline Hirst, 45, also from Chellaston, said she enjoyed swimming in cold water and decided to invite Mr Smith to the dip.

"I have been coming to Spring Lakes for three years and I quite like cold water so I find it really enjoyable and I like how it makes me feel afterwards," said Ms Hirst.

"It's strangely enjoyable and it leaves you feeling upbeat and gives you a good shot of adrenaline for the day."

Simon Perkins swimming at Spring Lakes in a purple hat
Simon Perkins decided to tackle the cold challenge wearing only his swimming trunks and his purple hat

Simon Perkins, 62, from Sutton Bonington in Nottinghamshire, went one step further than everyone else and decided to swim wearing only swimming trunks and a hat.

"When you swim in there, you feel alive," he said.

"Yes it's cold, but that's part of it. I think we need to introduce a bit of discomfort in our lives.

"If you can get in there and swim, what else can you do?"

An image of Bridget Betts wearing a hat and swim suit at Spring Lakes
Bridget Betts said she loved witnessing nature during outdoor swimming sessions

Bridget Betts, 67, from Nottingham, said swimming in cold water has had a positive effect on her mental health.

"For the past 18 months I have been swimming most days and the days that I don't come swimming, I really miss it," she added.

The retired social worker said seeing ice on the water did not stop her from getting in.

She said: "The forecast didn't put me off at all and it's so invigorating to be in nature and watch different birds around the lake.

"I have a sense of real calm when I get out the water and [it] resets my brain for the rest of the day."

An image of a man holding a piece of ice at Spring Lakes
Some people made chilling finds during their swim

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