Can children swim at outdoor pools?

Yes, children are welcome at many of our outdoor pools and lidos. Most venues offer Swim for All sessions, which are designed for families and recreational swimming.

Please note that access, age restrictions and session availability vary by location. We recommend checking your chosen venue's timetable before visiting.

Swim safety rules

The following swim safety rules apply at all venues:

• Children under 8 years old and non-swimmers under 16 years old must be accompanied by a competent adult swimmer.
• One adult may supervise a maximum of:
  • Two children under 8 years old, or
  • Two non-swimmers under 16 years old.
• The supervising adult must remain in the water and actively supervise at all times.
• Children under 8 years old and all non-swimmers must stay in shallow water.
• Armbands or buoyancy aids are strongly recommended for children under 8 years old and non-swimmers.

For full guidance, please see our Swim Safety Rules.

 

Venue-specific information

Charlton Lido and Lifestyle Club

• Children are welcome during Swim for All sessions.
• Swim for Fitness sessions are for competent swimmers aged 11 years and over who can swim continuously in designated lanes.
• Toddler Splash sessions are available in the teaching pool for children under 8 years old.

 

Finchley Lido Leisure Centre

• Children are welcome during Swim for All sessions.

 

Hillingdon Sports & Leisure Complex

• Children are welcome during Swim for All sessions.

 

Jesus Green Lido

• Children under 12 years old cannot attend Swim for Fitness sessions.
• Children are welcome during Swim for All sessions.

 

Lee Valley White Water Centre

• The minimum age for swimming is 14 years old.

 

London Fields Lido

• Children are welcome during Swim for All sessions:
  • Monday to Friday: from 10:00am
  • Weekends: from 9:00am
• Children aged 8 years and over who can swim 25 metres may swim without adult supervision.

 

Oasis Sports Centre

• Children are welcome during Swim for All sessions.

Indoor pool

• Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 2:00pm
• Weekends: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Outdoor pool

• Daily: 10:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm

 

Riverside Park and Pools

• Children are welcome.

 

Stanborough Park Water Sports Centre

• Children must be at least 14 years old to swim.
• Swimmers aged 14 to 17 years old must:
  • Be accompanied by an adult from the same household.
  • Swim with a tow float.
  • Wear a green swim hat.

 

West Reservoir Centre

• Open water swimming is available for children aged 14 years and over.
• Swimmers aged 14 to 17 years old must:
  • Be accompanied by an adult from the same household.
  • Swim with a tow float.
  • Wear a green swim cap.

 

Pools on the Park

• Children are welcome during Swim for All sessions.

 

Debdale Outdoor Centre

• Children are not permitted to swim, as Debdale operates as a reservoir swimming venue.

 

Wycombe Rye Lido & Gym

• Children are welcome to swim at the lido.
• The outdoor pool is heated and open all year round, making it suitable for family swimming throughout the seasons.