The annual Parliament Hill Ice Swim Hootenanny (PHISH) took place on the morning of Saturday 21st January. Never wanting to be outdone by the other London unheated pools, the water was cooled to a decidedly chilly 2°C! But with the sun shining, hot coffee and bacon butties on standby, and a very cosy 80°F sauna, nobody was complaining.

The event attracts cold water swimmers from across the UK, with entrants from as far afield as Cumbria, Devon and Ireland. The races are timed, and results are published. However, the real enjoyment of the day is the camaraderie of swapping stories with other cold water nutters. This is definitely one of the more friendly events in the London swimming calendar.

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Great day, great event and great turnout. If you would like to be to be invited to next year’s event just visit their web site and fill out your contact details at phish.org.uk