Cambridge Wild Swimming History
Learning to swim in the river was once the norm for children in Cambridge. Wild swimming was taught as part of the school curriculum.
The Sheep's Green bathing complex is still very evident. The large rectangular paddling pool is extremely popular with local children. Adjacent to it, a foot-bridge crosses a tributary of the Cam and the boys' and girls' bathing places lie to the left and right respectively. Walking across the field, another bridge separates the men's and ladies' quarters. For the men a five-stage diving board reaching up some fifteen feet, a water chute and a springboard with a tremendous run up ensured the success of the attraction (pictured above). Sadly, river bathing officially came to an end here in the 1960s and interest was transferred to the open-air pool on Jesus Green.
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Wild Swimming in rivers, lakes, lidos and the sea
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Wild Swimming History: Plymouth