Hundreds brave the cold for full moon Ilkley Lido swim

Jen McKenna came to the lido from Baildon with two friends. It was their first visit to the outdoor pool, booked as a treat for her 40th birthday.

She said: “I recently got into wild swimming with my mum, she lives on the west coast of Scotland, these two ladies are my friends who treated me to a cheeky dip for my 40th.

“My husband came last week for the first time with the kids and they loved it. I think it’s important, we need outdoor swimming spaces.”

Kirsty Midgley, who also took part, said although the moon was not visible it did not dampen anyone’s spirits.

She said: “It was cold, a little bit drizzly, cloudy but exhilarating.

“I’m a big believer in the benefits of cold water, open-water swimming. Not just the physical benefits, but the mental health benefits too.

“Being able to swim outdoors in a safe, clean environment with lifeguards means I don’t have to be with a group of people.

“I can go by myself and it would just be devastating if the lido had to close.”