Hundreds of women swam in the freezing cold Firth of Forth to celebrate International Women’s Day as the sun rose on Wednesday, March 8. The official event was cancelled at the last minute, due to extreme cold weather conditions, however, several swimmers went ahead in spite of the safety advice. The brave attendees had smiles on their faces throughout, despite the temperature dropping to -7C. Here are 10 photos of the International Women’s Day Sunrise Swim at Portobello Beach.
. Pre-swim smiles
Several women smiled as they prepared for their swim, despite the freezing cold temperatures. Photo: Jane Barlow
. A sunrise swim
Hundreds of women took a sunrise dip in the Firth of Forth at Portobello Beach, Edinburgh, for International Women's Day. Photo: Jane Barlow
. Girl gang
As the sun rose above Edinburgh, one group of women held hands as they waded through the icy water. Photo: Jane Barlow
. Sprinting towards the water
While some would prefer to run away from the freezing cold water, many brave women sprinted towards it. Photo: Jane Barlow
1. Pre-swim smiles
Several women smiled as they prepared for their swim, despite the freezing cold temperatures. Photo: Jane Barlow
2. A sunrise swim
Hundreds of women took a sunrise dip in the Firth of Forth at Portobello Beach, Edinburgh, for International Women's Day. Photo: Jane Barlow
3. Girl gang
As the sun rose above Edinburgh, one group of women held hands as they waded through the icy water. Photo: Jane Barlow
4. Sprinting towards the water
While some would prefer to run away from the freezing cold water, many brave women sprinted towards it. Photo: Jane Barlow