Chipping Norton Lido closed the season with its annual Dog Swim when swimmers jump into the water with their canine friends.

There are around six lidos and outdoor pools which host dog days and swims around the UK but Chippy Lido was the first.

Their first Dog Swim took place in 2013 after a Dutch visitor mentioned that it is something they do in The Netherlands.

Claire Williamson, one of Chipping Norton Lido’s trustees, said: “At that first one, there were three dogs. Interest in subsequent events grew to the extent that, in the last few years, we release news of the date and how to buy tickets mid-season and it sells out in hours."

Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and his dogs have swum in previous years, as well as local canine hero, Eddy, who starred in Channel 5 children's show Milkshake in CGI form as a co-star of Shane the Chef. 

The Lido holds only one session, on the last day of the season, after the last human swimmers have finished with the number of dogs participating capped at around 80, which they say is enough for canine mayhem fun.

The dog’s family and friends get in for free but at least one human is required for each dog.

The Dog Swim is also an important fundraiser contributing to upkeep of the community-run facility.

 

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