About

TOOTING BEC LIDO IS OPEN TO SLSC MEMBERS IN THE WINTER

The South London Swimming Club is one of England’s oldest swimming clubs, founded in 1906, and has been holding races at Tooting Bec Lido since 1908.

While other lidos have closed or fallen into disrepair, Tooting Bec Lido thrives due to the commitment of the members of the South London Swimming Club and investment from Wandsworth Borough Council.

We are a very sociable and inclusive club with members from birth to 90 and every kind of swimmer from those wanting a leisurely meander through to long distance swimmers training for the Channel. We hold many events in addition to and alongside swimming activities and have a contract for exclusive use of the Lido in winter.

The Club is run by volunteers and works closely with Wandsworth Council and Places for People Leisure who run and manage the Lido to ensure that the pool remains a viable and valued resource within, and for, the community.

As a club member, you not only get the best of swimming, but the chance to be part of something that really matters. All club members are expected to play a part in the running of the Club to ensure the future of the Lido.

If you are not a member, but would like to join the South London Swimming Club, please check our membership page.

About cold water swimming

Aficionados of cold water swimming claim it gives them the ultimate high, making them feel invigorated, even euphoric. Swimming in the depths of winter has been popular in Russia, China and Scandinavia for many years and is now increasing in popularity in the UK. If you’re tempted to try Tooting Bec Lido in winter, here are some tips to help you get the most out of the experience and avoid the risks.

The history of Tooting Bec Lido

Tooting Bec Lido is one of Britain’s oldest lidos: it was built in just four months in the spring of 1906. Originally known as Tooting Bathing Lake it became a ‘lido’ in the thirties, when the café and fountain were added. The South London Swimming Club was formed within weeks of the pool opening and has been involved in the life of the Lido ever since.

Lido improvement project

SLSC will be celebrating the Lido’s unique heritage as part of the Lido Improvement Project. The Lido Heritage Plan has been developed by the SLSC to guide the conservation and interpretation of the Lido’s heritage for the enjoyment of future generations.