Lido leg-pull

As a member of the South London Swimming Club (SLSC) I find several things in the account of a faceless figure in black at the Tooting Bec Lido in south London problematic (Lido haunting?” by Phil Brand, FT401:72).

Tooting Bec lido is famously not heated; in fact it’s the largest unheated pool in the UK. If the events took place in October 2020 as stated, then Mr Brand’s partner cannot have completed “a few lengths”; since the pandemic the Lido has been strictly controlled to meet Covid restrictions and only width swimming is permitted. Further, due to the same restrictions, entry is restricted to timed sessions of 45 minutes, which must be booked in advance and are carefully controlled at the entrance.

October is regarded as ‘Winter Swimming’ at the Lido. Only club members can swim and certainly should never be in the cold water for extended period of time. Two hours, as quoted, would be incredibly dangerous. The rule of thumb is one minute in the water per degree – so if the water was at average October temperature – which, in England, doesn’t exceed 15 degrees – then anyone in the water for more than 15 minutes would quickly attract the attention of the lifeguards.

Emma J Fleming

London

Asked to respond, Phil Brand replied: “I am so sorry. My partner needs to grow up. She has just admitted that she made it up as a prank to make me look like a bloody fool. It looks like she has succeeded.”