Outdoor Pool's Doggy Dip Delights Furry Swimmers on Last Day of Season

As the 2025 swim season at Gourock outdoor pool in Scotland draws to a close, the facility is making a splash with a special event for its four-legged friends. On September 30th, the pool's strictly humans-only policy is relaxed for the annual "Doggy Dip," allowing dogs of all shapes, sizes, and swimming abilities to join their owners in the mercifully heated saltwater.

Eager pups, from a 24kg fox red Labrador to a pair of Pekingese in flotation jackets, have eagerly taken the plunge, much to the delight of the excited onlookers. The pool, which has been hosting the Doggy Dip since 2019, has seen growing demand, with extra sessions added this year to accommodate the canine crowds.

This trend is not unique to Gourock, as outdoor pools across the UK have begun embracing the dog-friendly craze. Brighton's Saltdean lido, for example, transforms its art deco elegance into a "Dogtember" celebration, with weekend swim sessions that have attracted visitors from as far as France. Last year's event at Saltdean raised half a million pounds for the Grade II-listed coastal pool.

As the summer season gives way to autumn, other lidos are also joining the fun, with Cheltenham lido hosting its own dog swim in mid-October. Facility managers emphasize the importance of safety and comfort for both the canine and human participants, with lifeguards on patrol, hoses to rinse off chlorine, and swift action taken to address any accidents.

Beyond the lido circuit, the popularity of dog swimming has spawned a growing industry, with specialized facilities like Canine Dip and Dive in Suffolk offering bespoke pools for owners concerned about the safety of swimming in rivers, lakes, or the open sea. As the trend continues to gain momentum, it seems that the dog days of summer are far from over.