Hampstead Heath Winter Swimming Club has about 370 members

• AS co-chairs of the Hampstead Heath Winter Swimming Club, we write to respond to the untruths in Jim Connell’s letter (A sauna is good for you, November 23) about the club.

Founded 18 years ago, the club has about 370 members. In accordance with Swim England rules, membership is open to all, subject to only two conditions; you must be an adult habituated cold-water swimmer and pay a membership fee of £20.

Therefore to describe the club as a “small clique intent on protecting their privilege”, exclusive and snobbish, is the reverse of the truth.

The club enables many people to swim during the winter who would otherwise struggle to pay the City’s life-guarded charges. The club also operates an access fund to enable people to swim for free if they cannot afford the £20.

The club is not concerned with the benefits or disbenefits of sauna use.

SISTA PRATESI,
DAVID SPERO
Co-Chairs, Hampstead Heath Winter Swimming Club