Swimmers brave the cold water championships – in pictures

With water temperatures at just 3 degrees celsius, today's outdoor swim is a shivering prospect for most of the competitors. But not, apparently, for the guy in the chicken hat Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins

Competitors line up for their turn to race Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Wonder if he grew that moustache especially for the occasion? Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The endurance race gets underway Photograph: Tom Jenkins

A swimmer in the heads-up breaststroke race risks disqualification for lowering their eyes beneath the water Photograph: Tom Jenkins

A furry rodent catches a free ride Photograph: Tom Jenkins

It's a far cry from the balmy waters of the Caribbean Sea Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Yvonne Wood, the oldest competitor of the day aged 88, comes out of the water after taking part in the female heads-up breaststroke. Her husband Cyril, 87, took part in the equivalent men's race. They are both members of the local South London Swimming Club. Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Speaking of Cyril - here he is, feeling nippy Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Another chilly swimmer jumps around after getting out of the pool Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Swimmers in the oldest class of the male heads-up breaststroke event wait to be called for their race Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Robin Hunter-Coddington, 70, from the Serpentine swimming club, struggles to get out of the pool Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Three ladies size up the prospect just before a race Photograph: Tom Jenkins

While another offers some encouragement from the sidelines Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Swimmers in the endurance race get marked up with numbers Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Time for the endurance race - a 500-yard slog that is the final event of the day Photograph: Tom Jenkins

They start the race in intervals Photograph: Tom Jenkins

The guy on the right looks as though he wishes he'd never signed up Photograph: Tom Jenkins

A swimmer emerges looking very red. Only one thing for it ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins

A dip in the hot tub! Photograph: Tom Jenkins