Cold water enthusiasts will have something to celebrate this May as Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre’s outdoor lido launches a special pilot programme ahead of the main summer season.
The popular North Hertfordshire pool will begin offering cold water swimming sessions from 10 May, two weeks before its official seasonal opening on 24 May.
Following strong interest in a community survey last year, the lido will provide dedicated sessions throughout the day, with slots available in the morning, at lunchtime, in the early afternoon and evening.
For genuine cold water swimming conditions, the pool heating will remain off initially. This will maintain a naturally cool environment, though the water temperature will not drop below 15 degrees Celsius.
The heating system will then be switched on in mid-May to allow the pool to gradually warm up to the required temperature in time for the official seasonal opening on 24 May
Paul Francis, General Manager at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, said: “We’ve introduced cold water swimming as a pilot at the start of the season with a view to continue it at another time if the demand is there.
“I strongly encourage people to try it out – it’s a unique experience with tremendous health benefits that many of our regular swimmers have been requesting. This is a fantastic opportunity for locals to experience cold water swimming in a safe, controlled environment without having to travel far from home.”
The initiative has been warmly welcomed by long-serving staff members, including Fiona Montgomery, Finance and Admin Manager, who has worked at the centre for 23 years.
Fiona said: “I’ve always loved being outdoors and staying active – it’s great for both your body and your mind. I also enjoy walking, hiking, and paddleboarding with my son, and I think cold water swimming is another brilliant way for people to boost their wellbeing. It’s an amazing way to reset and de-stress, especially in a calm, natural and safe setting like this.”
Another champion of the new programme is Clair Calver, a swimming teacher with 22 years’ service at Hitchin. As a member of a local cold water swimming group, Claire travels up to 45 minutes to the nearest cold water pool to pursue her passion.
Clair said: “Cold water swimming can take some getting used to at first, but once you adjust, the benefits are incredible. It gives you a real endorphin boost, improves your mental health, and strengthens your immune system. I haven’t had a cold in two years!
“Until now, my only local option has been a lake, but it’s not always clean or convenient. Having this available in Hitchin is a game-changer – it means people can swim safely, locally, and more regularly.
“My advice to beginners is to take it slow and build up gradually. And never forget — swimming is the only sport that can save your life. It’s an essential skill that opens doors to so many other opportunities.”
Sarah Kingsley, Director – Environment, at North Herts Council, said: “We’re really excited to be able to offer cold water swimming at the Hitchin lido this spring. We know how popular this has become for boosting mental and physical wellbeing, and it’s fantastic that our local community will now have the chance to enjoy it safely right on their doorstep. We look forward to seeing how the pilot goes and hope it encourages even more people to give it a try.”
Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre is managed by Everyone Active in partnership with North Herts Council. The leisure operator recently marked its first year of overseeing leisure facilities across the district, including the nearby Letchworth Lido.
Both lidos have been closed since September 2024 for their annual winter break.
For more information or to book cold water sessions from 10 May at Hitchin, or regular swimming from 24 May at both lidos, visit the Everyone Active website or download the app.