Doggy-paddling pets and owners take over lido for fundraising swim

Saltdean Lido in Brighton hosted what is considered to be one of the biggest dog swims in the UK.

A dog leaps in to the water during a swim at the Saltdean Lido in Saltdean, Brighton during a ‘Dogtember’ swimming event (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

A historic lido in East Sussex has been taken over for what is considered to be one of the biggest canine swimming events in the UK.

Saltdean Lido in Brighton hosted its annual Dogtember sessions over four weekends in September and October, letting dogs join their owners splashing about in the open-air pool.

The final swims on Sunday morning saw dozens of doggy-paddlers take a dip.

The sessions began in 2017 at the art deco venue, with an estimated £250,000 raised for the facility since from entrance fees for the 40m heated pool.

Sessions are limited to 50 dogs and 100 owners, with other attractions including the water slide, splash zone and paddling pool.

The Grade II*-listed Saltdean Lido was built in the 1930s and designed by architect Richard Jones to create a fashionable resort during a time when Britain’s holiday industry became more competitive.

English Heritage called it one of the seven wonders of the English seaside in 2018, according to the lido.

In 2022, a restoration scheme costing £7.5 million was launched and received backing from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, and Brighton and Hove City Council.