A whole lot take plunge at Rother Valley chilly water swimming championship

A bunch of 150 swimmers have braved icy circumstances to make a splash at an annual competitors.

The Really Cold Swim Championship, held at Rother Valley Country Park close to Rotherham, noticed contributors don their swimming costumes and courageous water temperatures of 2C (35F).

The races on Saturday and Sunday noticed officers spend “two hours breaking through several inches of ice”, earlier than the contests may begin.

One competitor, Di Asbury, stated: “It was the coldest water I’ve ever swum in, but it’s such fun and it’s challenging. Definitely worth a go.”

Speaking after she competed within the 1,000m race and the 200m freestyle and breaststroke occasions, Asbury stated: “When you get in you have a sharp intake of breath and then it’s about controlling the breathing, but we’ve got a fantastic safety crew looking out for us.

“When you hit the tip, get out and heat up you assume ‘have I really accomplished that’, it surpasses all of your expectations and helps you if you get again to your regular life.”

A special 25m laned jetty pool was created in the lake for the event.

Swimmers were not allowed to wear wetsuits, but organisers allowed caps and goggles.

The competition distances ranged from 50m to 1000m, plus relay events.

With safety in mind, participants had to have had previous cold water swimming experience and were asked to sign a disclaimer.

As the event drew to a wintry close, organiser Leon Fryer, said: “It was enjoyable bringing 150 opponents from all around the nation collectively into the ice.

“Safety is obviously paramount at this time of year, as you can see the lake is frozen.

“We had an inch-and-a-half of ice every morning so we spent two hours breaking it up, ensuring its secure.”