World Cold Water Swimming Championships 2008

In 2008, the South London Swimming Club hosted the World Winter Swimming Championships at Tooting Bec Lido - the first time they'd been held outside Finland. The event followed the inaugural UK Cold Water Swimming Championships in January 2006, which had been inspired by a trip to Oulu in northern Finland the previous year. The world event was a big success and, as a thank-you, the Finns presented the SLSC with the sauna which now stands to the right of the café. The UK Cold Water Swimming Championships have been held every other year at the lido since 2009. Designed by South London Swimming Club member Susan Rentoul.