SWIMMERS can brave the cold when Shaftesbury Lido opens this winter.

The pool, at Barton Hill, is launching cold-water sessions from November 25, running from 9am to 9.45am and 10am to 10.45am, for four weeks.

A maximum of 16 swimmers per session, so booking is advised, and entry costs £7.50.

“We are also delighted to welcome Lindsay Aubrey to the Lido,” a spokesperson said. “Lindsay is a cold-water immersion instructor who runs classes for people to gain a greater awareness of how to enter cold water, learn about what happens to their body and also how to be safe.

“Lindsay has kindly offered to carry out a briefing session in advance of the 9am sessions for those who are keen to experience the benefits of cold-water swimming, but who have never done it before.”

“You don’t even have to swim as you could just enjoy being in the cold water in the shallow end,” Lindsay said.

The class is not suitable for those who are pregnant, epileptic or who currently have or have previously had cardiovascular issues.

“If these sessions prove popular, then there may be an opportunity to extend the cold-water experience into the new year,” the spokesperson added.

Places at the session can be booked online at www.shaftesbury-tc.gov.uk/services/lido.