Hundreds flock to Hitchin lido for new swimming sessions

The sessions at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre began on Saturday, May 10, following strong community demand.

The warm spring weather, with temperatures exceeding 22°C, helped boost attendance and naturally raised the pool temperature.

Two lifeguards on duty at the opening weekend. (Image: Everyone Active) Over the opening weekend, a total of 430 people visited the lido, with 175 lane swimmers on Saturday, 97 on Sunday, and 158 more enjoying a public swim on Sunday afternoon.

This initiative marks the centre’s first dedicated foray into cold water swimming.

The warm spring weather, with temperatures exceeding 22°C, helped boost attendance and naturally raised the pool temperature. (Image: Everyone Active) The outdoor pool is being kept unheated during the pilot, allowing swimmers to experience the unique physical and mental health benefits of cooler water while remaining compliant with industry safety guidelines.

The pool’s heating system would only be activated if water temperatures dropped below the minimum threshold of 15°C.

Mike Davies, a regular user of the lido, praised the new sessions after attending early on Monday morning (May 12), saying: "Today’s early session was probably the best start to an outdoor swimming season.

"The temperature was perfect, all the old friends in attendance and in fine spirits.

"The sun was shining beautifully - swimming at its best."

Over the opening weekend, a total of 430 people visited the lido, with 175 lane swimmers on Saturday, 97 on Sunday, and 158 more enjoying a public swim on Sunday afternoon. (Image: Everyone Active) Paul Francis, general manager at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, said: "We’re absolutely delighted with the turnout and the overwhelmingly positive response from our community.

"This pilot was launched to offer a safe, local opportunity for people to experience the benefits of cold water swimming without needing to travel.

"If demand continues, we will look to introduce cold water swimming earlier in the year from 2026 onwards.

"As planned, we’ll begin gradually heating the pool in the days before our official season launch on May 24 to ensure it reaches the standard temperature for summer swimming."

Councillor Mick Debenham, executive member for leisure at North Herts Council, said: "It’s fantastic to see so many people embracing the health benefits of cold water swimming right here in Hitchin.

"We’ll be reviewing the feedback and turnout closely to help shape future plans."