Swimmers at the ponds on Christmas Day

THE quick-dippers boasting Rudolph antlers and Santa hats, the losers of Christmas Eve bets and families wanting to start their celebrations well refreshed leapt into the Hampstead Heath men’s pond on Christmas Day.

With more than 2,000 people braving the waters at the annual swim, it was one of the busiest of recent times.

The water was a balmy seven degrees – around four degrees warmer than last year – and with the Parliament Hill Lido and Ladies Pond also open, it was a bumper morning for Heath swimmers.

Rachel Jupp and Jonathan Wald

Naomi Cragg, Sophie Cragg and Rachel Jupp

At 11am, after the regulars and foolhardy had done a turn round the spring-fed pools, the swim club Highgate Lifebuoys held their annual race, with the much coveted trophy scooped this year by musician John Etheridge. The event dates from before the First World War – the Lifebuoys were set up in 1903 to encourage people to save lives as swimming became a popular past time.

Chris Ruocco, John Etheridge and Paul Maskell

Simon Holmes

The guitarist, who made his name in the band Soft Machine and tours with them today, was given a rather large head start as the race was a handicap – and he managed to see off some determined attempts to catch him, the charge led by father and son swim team John and Danny Weller.

Simon Holmes

Abigail Lambert and Ethan Fage

Brendan Sibley and Matthew Coorey

Club chairman Chris Ruocco, who serenaded swimmers with carols played on his trumpet, said: “John is a worthy winner, a regular for many years and he deserved a good start.”

Heath manager Paul Maskell told the assembled crowds: “It has been as busy as ever here over the year and I’d like to thank every lifeguard for the dedication they have shown and hard work they have put in.”