Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Entertainment
Lydia Stephens

Ponty Lido to open out of season for the first time to welcome cold water swimming fans

Pontypridd Lido will be opening its doors to swimmers this autumn and winter for its first ever cold water swimming sessions. Due to popular demand, the much-loved outdoor swimming pool will be open over four weekends this winter.

The decision was made after fans of the Lido urged Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to keep the pool open for the remainder of the year despite knowing it will mean swimming in colder temperatures. The pool will be heated to 15 degrees as opposed to its usual 26C so regular swimmers will notice the temperature drop.

The pool has proved immensely popular again this year, and has welcomed 112,000 people throughout the main 2022 season. Boxing Day and New Year's Day swims will also happen this year. You can read more stories from Pontypridd, here and subscribe to our dedicated newsletter here.

READ NEXT: Bus driver leaves 11-year-old girl stranded and in floods of tears because her ticket wouldn't scan

Unlike the summer sessions, due to health and safety reasons the pool will only be open to over 16s. As always there will be an expert lifeguard team on the pool and the heated indoor showers and changing rooms will be open.

For those who are feeling brave, the outdoor changing booths and showers can also be used. The sessions will cost just £2 and will run for an initial period of four weeks, from October 29. Sessions will be 8am to 9am, 9.15am to 10.15am and 10.30am to 11.30am on Saturdays and Sundays. Swimmers can book their space on the session and stay for as long as they like.

Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure said: “It’s been another record-breaking year for the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty. We have welcomed more than 112,000 people for early morning swims and family fun sessions throughout the main 2022 season – more than any other year to date.

“We know it is always a disappointment when the main season comes to an end, but we look forward to welcoming every back for more of the same Lido Ponty fun in 2023. In the meantime, we look forward to trialling the Winter swim timetable and getting ready for Boxing Day and New Year’s Day swims.”

Tickets for the cold swim sessions will go on sale from 9am on Monday, October 24. You can purchase those here. Tickets for Boxing Day Swim and New Year's Day Swim will go on sale in December.

READ NEXT:

Boy born with half a heart fulfils dream of playing in first football match after being rejected by clubs

I almost put this large green 'stink bug' in my mouth when I was eating my raspberries from Asda

Cardiff mother becomes fourth family member to die after gas poisoning in Bangladesh

Five cost of living payments that will hit bank accounts before Christmas

'Doctors said I wouldn't need treatment for my cancer for 10 to 15 years'

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.