Open Water Swimming

Have you ever wanted to experience the exhilaration of open water swimming in the great outdoors? Now’s the perfect time.

Join us at Herts Young Mariners Base and enjoy the freedom, fresh air and sense of wellbeing that comes from swimming outside. Whether you’re building fitness, training for a triathlon, or simply looking to enjoy a revitalising dip with friends, it’s a great way to make the most of your time outdoors.

Herts Young Mariners Base offers an ideal setting for open water swim training, with sessions running throughout the year. In spring and summer, you’ll have access to a 350m course, while winter sessions take place on a shorter 200m loop. Throughout the colder months, the course is fully floodlit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Open water swimming is available during designated session times only:

Mondays  12:00 - 20:00
Tuesdays  12:00 - 20:00
Wednesdays  12:00 - 20:00
Thursdays  12:00 - 20:00
Fridays  12:00 - 20:00
Saturdays  07:30 - 14:00
Sundays  07:30 - 14:00

 

Please note that participants must be confident and competent swimmers. For safety reasons, lake access is not permitted outside these official sessions.

For guidance on best practice in open water swimming, please visit Swim England.

Sign up to our UK Swimming Membership for £42.00 a month and enjoy unlimited use. Alternatively, drop in for a session for £10.00.

Swim UK Membership

With your Swim UK Membership, you’ll enjoy unlimited access to our beautiful spring-fed lake and all of our 140 swimming venues over the UK, giving you the freedom to swim whenever it suits you.

Membership benefits include:

  • Access to designated swimming sessions throughout the year
  • A safe and welcoming environment for open water swimmers of all abilities
  • The opportunity to train, improve your fitness, or simply enjoy the wellbeing benefits of open water swimming
  • Advance booking privileges for lake swimming sessions
  • A friendly community of open water swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts
  • Stunning natural surroundings, providing the perfect setting for exercise and relaxation


Our lake is regularly monitored and maintained to provide a high-quality open water swimming experience. Whether you are training for an event, building confidence in open water, or looking for a refreshing alternative to the pool, Herts Young Mariners Base offers an ideal setting.

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Introduction to Cold Water Swimming Course

Discover the thrill of cold-water swimming in a safe and supportive environment. This course introduces you to the fundamentals of entering, swimming, and exiting cold water confidently and responsibly. 

What You’ll Learn

  • How your body responds to cold water 
  • Safe entry and exit techniques 
  • Breathing control to stay calm and manage the cold shock response 
  • Essential safety practices for open water environments 
  • How to warm up properly after your swim 
  • Tips for building confidence and enjoying cold water swimming throughout the year 

Perfect for beginners or anyone curious about taking their first dip, this course helps you develop the knowledge and skills to cope with swimming in cold water while keeping safety at the heart of the experience. 

Session are now available through Coached Open Water Swimming.

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