HUNDREDS of brave swimmers from all over the world plunged into the chilly waters of Windermere today for the third annual Big Chill Swim event in the Lake District.

The event is split into two days this year, with more than 800 swimmers altogether diving into water temperatures of around 5 degrees in just their swimsuits.

The event, held at Low Wood Bay Marina near Ambleside, hosts races sanctioned by the International Winter Swimming Association on the Saturday, and the International Ice Swimming Association on the Sunday.

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The event has attracted entries from aged 16 to over 70, including swimmers from the USA for the first time as well as many from around Europe, with teams of swimmers from Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Slovenia, Belgium and Germany as well as enthusiasts from around the UK.

Organiser Colin Hill said: “The backdrop is stunning and it’s great to be able to fill this area at what is normally a quiet time of year.”

Alice Gartland travelled from London to take part in the event, saying, “It’s probably the most stunning place for an outdoor swimming event – the scenery is pretty unbeatable.”