20-02-2025
First competitive ice swimming event held in Dorset
DORSET'S first competitive ice swimming event attracted more than 100 participants.
The Shaftesbury Lido Ice Championship Extravaganza (SLICE) took place at the Shaftesbury Lido over the weekend.
Competitors came from across Dorset and as far as Stoke-on-Trent and Derby.
The event was organised by Harriet Green, lido manager and Elizabeth Mills, both seasoned ice mile swimmers.
Ice swimming involves swimming in temperatures of 5 degrees Celsius or below, with the lido's pool temperature recorded at 5.4 degrees Celsius.
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Dorset's first ice swimming event draws 100 competitors to Shaftesbury Lido (Image: Supplied) The air temperature was four degrees, with a wind chill factor making it feel like -1 degrees.
Some participants were experiencing their first ice swimming event, while others were attempting their longest cold-water swims.
The event featured a variety of races, including a one-length bobble hat race, a fun relay with an inflatable cake, a 16-length endurance race and a 1km SLICE team relay.
Prizes for the winners were donated by Oly Rush, founder of Project Planet Earth and endurance swimmer.
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Swimmers brave 5.4°C water at Shaftesbury's first competitive ice swim (Image: Supplied) The SLICE Award was given to Liz Pudney from Newbury for her exceptional performance in multiple events.
The event raised almost £3,000 for Shaftesbury Lido's renovations and improvements.
The funds will be used to replace the pool liner and filtration system.
Harriet and Elizabeth are already planning next year's SLICE event and continue to encourage people to swim in cold water for its health and wellbeing benefits.
