CHILL BY THE POOL
Keen swimmers defy the cold
The snow was lying deep and crisp and even.
But a hardy bunch of cold water swimmers couldn’t wait to dip their toes in.
W h i l e t h e a i r temperature above New Cumnock Open Air Pool was hovering at ZERO, the water temperature was a rather exotic 16C.
That’s still about sea temparature in the Firth of Clyde in the summer.
The special session was organised by Troon swimmer Katherine Self.
She was among 25 swimmers who privately hired the pool, which is shut for the season.
Ka t h e r i n e, w h o organises the Barassie Sea Swim Sessions, said: “The pool is too costly to keep it heated in winter to its full temperature of 32 degrees.
“I saw the opportunity to create a safe swimming environment in the dark, slightly above our current loch and sea temperatures of between 4C and 9C.
“We had 25 swimmers, many in just a costume, some in wetsuits, swimming in the dark under the night sky with the floodlights on, in the snow.
“They came from Glasgow, Dumfries and closer to home around all of Ayrshire.
“It included members of the Wild West Swimmers, Barassie Sea Swim Sessions and Ayrodynamic Triathlon Club.
“It was a surreal experience, very refreshing and such a success that we are putting on other sessions in January.”
The pictures were taken by photographer Robin Szmidt, also an outdoor swimmer.
More sessions are planned, check out the Barassie Sea Swim Sessions Facebook page for details.