HILLINGDON Lido, one of London’s best-known outdoor pools, will reopen for the 2022 season on April 2 with a swimming showcase, hosted by 2021 Olympic Marathon swimmer Hector Pardoe.

This summer, the Grad II-listed lido will be heated to a comfortable 23C for the first time.

Launch day morning will begin with a free swim doctor coaching session from 8-10am.  Up to 40 places will be available to competitive amateur swimmers who would like advice from resident coach Charlotte Reisch and Hector Pardoe.  He will then take part in a poolside Q&A.

The lido then hosts its first ever Spring Sprint, when up to 800 distance swimmers will take part in a 1K challenge event. 

It will be hosted by Marathon Swims, which normally runs distance swimming events at the 2012 Olympic venue, the London Aquatics Centre.

The day will close with a free two-hour Swim for All session.

Hector Pardoe said: “There are very few 50m outdoor pools in London and this exceptional facility should be on everyone’s radar as an ideal training venue.”

Hillingdon Lido is managed by a charitable social enterprise, Better. 

Cllr Susan O'Brien, cabinet Member for families and wellbeing, said: “We’ve recently invested £370,000 to ensure this remains a premium facility accessible to all.”

For more about Hillingdon Lido and to sign up for the free activities on April 2, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2p92eemu