More than 100 golden retrievers took the plunge at a historic seafront lido in a dog-friendly swimming event.
It was doggy paddle all the way at Saltdean Lido over the weekend as it kicked off its "Dogtember" swimming events.
More than 6,000 pooches and people are expected to hit the water in more than 40 events this month.
Jules Shepherd, charity trustee of Saltdean Lido, said: “We are amazed at how Dogtember’s popularity increases every year and it is always oversubscribed as we are limited to 150 dogs per session. We think it is now the most popular dog swimming session in the country and we hear other countries are now copying our idea.
“It gives dog owners a chance to use a proper swimming pool and enjoy a swim with their dogs and raise funds for the Lido. Specially trained lifeguards will even look after your pet while you change and they assist and help dogs out of the water if needed.
“It is wonderful to see people having such a happy time with their dogs, although some swimmers who are not dog owners have raised their eyebrows.
“It’s so popular that people are booking up a year in advance to avoid being disappointed.”
The “Dogtember” event, which started in 2017, raises cash for the recently restored listed building.
It includes a "Gold Rush" session, which went ahead on Saturday morning with 150 golden retrievers and their owners cooling off in the lido.
Other sessions are also organised for other breeds such as poodles and spaniels with dog owners coming from as far afield as Manchester and Penzance to join in.
The event spans four weekends in September and marks the end of the summer season at the lido.
The Art Deco venue was built between 1937 and 1938 but became derelict after being used as a water tank by the National Fire Service during World War Two.
It was restored by Brighton and Hove City Council and reopened in 1964 but its survival was threatened again in 2010 when the then-leaseholder wanted to redevelop the site.
It was saved by a community campaign which led to the founding of the Saltdean Lido CIC.
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