DOGS TAKE A DIP AT HISTORIC LIDO FOR FUNDRAISER
Source: BBC (Extract)
Posted: October 7, 2024
A historic lido in East Sussex has hosted what is believed to be one of the largest canine swimming events in the UK. The annual “Dogtember” sessions took place over four weekends at Saltdean Lido in Brighton during September and October.
The final swims, where dogs could join their owners in the open-air pool, were held on Sunday morning. This event serves as a fundraiser for the 1930s Art Deco venue, which reopened to the public in June.
Sessions in the heated pool are limited to 50 dogs and 100 humans.
The Dogtember event first took place in 2017, with an estimated £250,000 raised since from entrance fees.
Saltdean Lido was constructed between 1937 and 1938, but the Art Deco building fell into disrepair after serving as a water tank for the National Fire Service during World War II.
It was restored by Brighton Council and reopened in 1964, but its future was once again at risk in 2010 when the then-leaseholder sought to redevelop the site.
The lido was rescued by a community campaign, resulting in the establishment of the Saltdean Lido CIC. Restoration efforts for the venue, the UK’s only grade II* listed coastal lido, were completed in July.
