Olivia Sharron [Susanna Kidd]

A GROUP of cold water swimming enthusiasts took the plunge at Parliament Hill Lido at the weekend – with many saying the icy dip helps their mental health.

Swimmers from across London met for their monthly gathering, which began with a salsa-inspired warm-up before heading into the unheated pool.

The group, known as the Chilly Dippers, has made the Lido its regular base for the bracing swims.

Founder Olivia Sharron said: “There’s a brilliant community aspect there, super accessible. It’s not too expensive. You can stay as long as you want once you’ve paid, and it’s just worked like the perfect little home for our community.”

Ms Sharron first discovered cold water swimming while studying at Edinburgh University five years ago.

She turned to the sea during times of stress and anxiety, and later encouraged friends to join her.

After moving to London during the Covid pandemic, she brought the idea with her and set up the group at Parliament Hill.

Ms Sharron describes the swimmers as a “motley crew” brought together by a shared love of the water.

“The purpose is to meet like-minded people, to socialise in a mindful way where you are not on your phone. You’re doing an activity that releases endorphins and makes you feel good,” she said.

Attendance varies depending on the weather.

Summer sessions can draw more than 65 people, while in the depths of winter, numbers drop to around a dozen.

Sharron says the appeal lies in its simplicity. “It’s slightly more accessible than a run club or any other sort of sporting community,” she added.

The social side of the meet-ups has become just as important as the swimming itself.

Members have struck up new friendships, with some even going on dates.

For many, it offers an alternative way to connect that does not revolve around alcohol.

Alongside the community spirit, participants point to the health benefits of cold water.

Swimmers report better circulation, fewer colds, and what many call a “swimmer’s high”.

But the mental effects are what keep most coming back.

For a few minutes in the water, day-to-day worries are replaced with a single thought: breathe and float.

The next Chilly Dippers swim is 10am on October 19 at Parliament Hill Lido.