A POPULAR swimming spot in North Cornwall has announced a new feature, helping residents prepare for their chilly dips.

Bude Sea Pool has revealed the installation of a new thermometer, allowing swimmers to access real-time temperature readings of the pool at any time. This exciting project was made possible thanks to the dedicated swimming and pool community, who raised funds throughout the winter season to support the installation of both the thermometer and a digital screen.

The thermometer installation marks a significant improvement for swimmers, especially those participating in temperature-dependent challenges that have gained popularity over the winter months. Previously, swimmers had to bring their own thermometers to get an accurate reading, which could be inconvenient and inconsistent.

Now, up-to-date temperature readings are available via the Bude Sea Pool website and on a screen at the pool, which refreshes every thirty minutes. This new feature helps swimmers plan their visits more effectively, allowing them to check conditions before they travel.

"This project has been a challenging one, as the pool is exposed to the constant forces of the North Atlantic, often facing severe winter storms," a project spokesperson said. "We had to design a housing for the thermometer that could withstand the harsh environment, and it took many hours of planning and testing to make sure everything worked smoothly. We’re delighted to finally have this feature in place and extremely grateful for the generosity of all who donated, as well as everyone who contributed their time and expertise to bring it to fruition.”

The new thermometer installation is not only a win for winter swimmers but for all visitors to Bude Sea Pool who want to stay informed about the current conditions. Swimmers can also check the live temperature readings here: ww.budeseapool.org/live-conditions/