Can children swim at outdoor pools?

Yes, children are welcome to swim at outdoor pools and lidos. Most venues offer Swim for All sessions that are family-friendly. However, access and session availability may vary by location, and Swim Safety rules apply at all venues. For full swim safety guidance, see https://www.better.org.uk/lp/swim-safety-rules

Always check the local timetable before attending.

Swim Safety rules for all venues:

Under 8 years and non-swimmers under 16 years must be accompanied by a competent adult swimmer.
A maximum of two under 8 years, or non-swimmers under 16 years per competent adult.
The supervising adult must stay in the water and actively supervise at all times.
Under 8 years and all non-swimmers must remain in shallow water.
Armbands or buoyancy aids are strongly recommended for those under 8 years and non-swimmers.

Please see further details by location below:

Charlton Lido & Lifestyle Club
Children can swim during Swim for All sessions.
Swim for Fitness is for competent swimmers aged 11+ years who can remain in designated lanes.
Toddler Splash sessions run in the teaching pool for children under 8 years.

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 cannot join Swim for Fitness sessions but are welcome at Swim for All.

London Fields Lido
Children are welcome during Swim for All sessions at set times(Mon-Fri from 10am, weekends from 9am).
Children over 8 years who can swim 25m may swim unsupervised.

Oasis Sports Centre
Children can join Swim for All sessions: 
Indoor Pool: Weekdays 9am-2pm, weekends 10am-4pm.
Outdoor Pool: From 29th July, daily 10am-12pm and 2pm-5pm.

Riverside Park & Pools
Children are welcome.

Stanborough Park Water Sports Centre
Yes, but they need to be minimum of 14 years old. Children 14-17 years old must be accompanied by an adult from the same household, swim with tow float and wear a green swim hat.

West Reservoir Centre 
Open water swimming is available for children aged 14+ years.
Must be accompanied by an adult from the same household. 
Tow float and a green swim cap are required.