POLAR bears have been sighted swimming in Bude!

The Friends of Bude Sea Pool (FoBSP) welcomed more than 70 ‘Polar Bear’ swimmers to a fun winter swimming event at Bude Sea Pool on December 29.

Swimming without wetsuits the swimmers took on the challenge of swimming in several events of up to 540 metres in water temperature at a chilly nine degrees.

For some of the shorter events swimmers celebrated the fun side of winter swimming by taking to the water in an array of fancy dress ranging from a bevy of mermaids to a flock of chickens and all were rewarded with a medal to commemorate the day.

FoBSP committee member and volunteer Sarah Blake said: “It was fantastic to see so many people from far and wide (for many it was their first visit to Bude) enjoying Bude Sea Pool on a winter’s day.

“FoBSP maintain the pool and facilities for use all year round and it is a perfect venue for events such as this.”

Organiser Pauline Barker added: “Bude Sea Pool is a superb venue for all-seasons swimming and cold water swimming is fast becoming a very popular sport as it attracts swimmers of all ages and abilities who just want to enjoy being in the water — and swimming with friends can be much more enjoyable and safer than swimming alone.

“It is recognised by those who partake in it not only as a beneficial physical activity but can also alleviate stress, anxiety and other mental health issues.”

The event was organised by Devon and Cornwall Wild Swimming, supported by Bude Open Water Swimmers and FoBSP volunteers and if anyone is interested in coming along to join in with one of their swims they should visit the Facebook page ‘Devon Wild Swimming’ or contact organiser Pauline at [email protected]