Swimmers enjoy cooling off at Charlton Lido in south-east London on 25 June. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty
Lidos and Public Health
Katherine Arnott, writing in response to Labour MPs' call for water firms to save Britain's lost lidos, highlights the health and community benefits of lido swimming. Her peer-reviewed study, part of her MSc in occupational therapy, found that lido swimming offers benefits beyond cooling during heatwaves.
Research by Arnott and co-author Hannah Spring aligns with wider evidence on outdoor swimming, showing that lido swimming fosters connection and belonging, physical and mental health benefits, and harmony with nature.
Unique Findings on Nostalgia
A unique finding indicates that lidos evoke nostalgia and connect people to the past, distinguishing lido swimming from other outdoor swimming. The Fabian Society notes that lidos historically democratised leisure, and Arnott believes they continue to do so today.
This sense of equality and emotional connection to shared social history makes lidos a special part of community fabric.
Lidos as Community Resources
Lidos offer a safe, controlled environment for outdoor swimming, with multifaceted value for individuals and communities. Arnott welcomes their second golden age but calls for more research into their utility as community health and wellbeing resources to support development and funding.
