Posted By Andrew Böber I think we are trapped in this dreadful void between what are genuine H&S issues - whatever we happen to consider these are - and those born out of obsessively pandering nanny state, which is more like a behavioural throw back to medieval superstitions. However, when one considers some of the more riskier nocturnal activities that take place in Hampstead, then a few people who want to half-drown themselves in the morning really aren’t all that much bother at all. The only irony seems to be that this ‘cold water brigade’ can readily afford the expense of making a legal case out of it but are too tight to join the local indoor swimming pool. Andrew Böber

Posted By Merv Newman I think it's rather nice that we now have Cult status. I found the following quote rather odd : "Hampstead Heath Management Committee, said both sides must now go away and agree a declaration allowing for swimming to take place without contravening health and safety legislation. "We are in discussion with our lawyers regarding the wider ramifications of the decision for the provision of lifeguards throughout the day," she said" a. She doesn't know what she is talking about, and b. She obviously has not read the judgement. Ok, so they have been providing and will probably continue to provide (unrequired) lifeguards as a public service. Very good. But they do seem to be a bit half-hearted in that they appear unwilling to properly equip their employees for the job. Appropriate PPE for diving into icy water is easily available. And I still think the swimmers are total lunatics (though I agree with the "nanny state" observation) I haven't even taken a cold shower since I left school !