Dogtember fundraising event returns to Saltdean Lido

The popular annual event returned this weekend, welcoming four-legged swimmers to the Grade II*-listed Art Deco lido while raising vital funds for the volunteer-run charity that operates the historic site.

(Image: Sophie Watson)

Organisers say Dogtember has grown into the largest dog swimming event in the UK, attracting visitors from across the country.

With many sessions selling out in advance this year, organisers said that attendees had travelled from as far afield as Scotland to take part.

And for organisers and volunteers, Dogtember is far more than a fun day out.

Trustee Katie Tong told The Argus that the annual fundraiser provides income that helps carry the lido through the winter months, when visitor numbers inevitably fall.

In 2025, Ms Tong said it raised around £150,000 - with this year's festivities already on track to match that number.

After each year, organisers and volunteers meet to assess what worked, what did not and how the experience can be improved for both dogs and owners.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home are attending Dogtember for the first time this year. (Image: Sophie Watson)

That process has led to a steady stream of changes, from attracting new sponsors such as pet insurer Petgevity to welcoming Battersea Dogs and Cats Home as a charity partner for the first time this year.

Battersea volunteers signed up 11 sponsors from among Saturday's attendees alone, support they estimated could generate thousands of pounds for the charity over the coming years.

Opened in 1938, Saltdean Lido was designed by architect Richard William Herbert Jones and became the centrepiece of developer Charles Neville's vision for Saltdean as a modern seaside resort.

The distinctive crescent-shaped pool and streamlined Art Deco buildings made it one of the most celebrated examples of lido design in Britain.

Over the decades, however, the site fell into decline.

Dawn has been volunteering at the lido since the early days of the community campaign to save it. (Image: Sophie Watson)

After moving from Wales to Saltdean in 1993 with her two young sons, volunteer Dawn became involved in the campaign to save the lido when plans emerged that could have seen the site demolished and replaced by more than 100 flats.

She told The Argus that it is the value of the lido to the community that brings her back to volunteer at Dogtember year after year.

"When I moved here, I had young kids, and I wanted to bring them here," she said. "That was my spark to get involved."

The lido's smaller paddling pool is much-favoured by smaller dogs and younger attendees, who may be more nervous about deep water. (Image: Sophie Watson)

Local campaigners fought to secure its future, ultimately helping save the landmark and paving the way for its restoration.

Today, the lido is far more than an outdoor swimming pool.

The site includes a library, gym, fitness studios, sauna facilities, community spaces, café and events venue, serving residents throughout the year as well as during the summer season.

The lido even hosts weddings, giving local people the opportunity to get married in its magnificent period ballroom.

The lido's magnificent period ballroom is available for events, including weddings. (Image: Sophie Watson)

More than 80 years after it first opened, the community that fought to save the lido continues to shape its future, with many volunteers returning year after year simply because of the atmosphere.

"It's just lovely," Dawn said. "Really joyful."

In keeping with its community roots, the event also provides an annual opportunity for local businesses to reach dog owners from across Sussex and beyond.

Karen and Terry, based in Southwick, run Paws Bakery Sussex - one of several local businesses to regularly attend. (Image: Sophie Watson)

Dogtember continues over the coming weekends, with tickets available through the Saltdean Lido website.

Every dog requires a swimming ticket, while owners can choose between spectator and swimming passes.

Organisers said some sessions have already sold out and advised booking in advance.

Jane and her beloved dog Bailey, from Horsham, attended for the first time on Sunday. (Image: Sophie Watson)

Jane, from Horsham, attended for the first time on Sunday with her dog Bailey, who turns 11 next month despite showing little sign of slowing down.

"We'll definitely be back," Jane said.

As dogs paddled, jumped and chased balls across the water on Sunday, it was clear many others would be saying the same.

What began as a fundraiser has become a celebration of the community spirit that saved Saltdean Lido and continues to keep it thriving.

Dogtember runs until the first weekend of October, visit the Saltdean Lido website for more details.