Christmas Day swimmers celebrate pool's anniversary (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Christmas Day swimmers celebrate Hampton Pool's anniversary

5:10am Saturday 5th January 2013 in News By Amy Dyduch

Thousands of swimmers took a dip in Hampton Pool on Christmas Day when it celebrated its 25th year.

On Christmas Day in 2011, a record 1,659 swimmers enjoyed a seasonal dip before heading home for their Christmas lunch, while this Christmas, 1,049 people turned up for a swim.

Swimmers wore reindeer antlers and festive swimsuits as they took the plunge in the pool’s warm waters on Christmas Day, when it is open from 8am until noon.

The heated outdoor pool, which re-opened as a community-run venture in 1985, is open all year round and celebrated its 25th anniversary with a lunch on December 30, sponsored by British Gas.

Matthew Leopold, head of sponsorship at British Gas, said: “British Gas is a huge supporter of swimming and is investing £15m into the sport in six years.”