Open Water Swimming

Take advantage of the water rain or shine with a swim at Lee Valley White Water Centre, with changing rooms, showers and our cafes, you can relax and enjoy a swim all year round.

 

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open water swimming

Before you swim

Sessions are available for swimmers of all abilities with a good level of water confidence. It's easy to do for members and non-members alike and you can pre-book up to 7 days in advance.

Walk-ins are available but to secure your slot and avoid disappointment, you can now book your swim session via Lee Valley White Water Centre page on the Better app or online.

It's easy to do for members and non-members alike and you can pre-book up to 7 days in advance.

All swimmers are required to wear a bright coloured swim hat (excluding black) and junior swimmers are required to wear a green hat. We recommend swimmers to wear a wetsuit  If you are not wearing a wetsuit then you are required to wear a tow float.

❄️The water is now under 11 degrees, tow floats are mandatory for all swimmers and can be purchased at reception ❄️

Open Water Swimming is £7 per session 

Tow floats are available to purchase £23

Swim hats are available to purchase £5.50

Wetsuits are available to hire £5

Increased Winter sessions

We've increased sessions from November 2023 through March 2024

Tuesdays

  • 16:45 – 17:45
  • 18:00 – 19:00

Thursdays

  • 13:30 – 14:30
  • 17:15 – 18:15

Friday

  • 13:30 – 14:30
  • 17:15 – 18:15

Saturdays

  • 08:45 – 09:45
  • 15:00 – 16:00

Sundays

  • 08:45 – 09:45
  • 15:00 – 16:00

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to complete an induction?

No induction is necessary, the open water swimming sessions are for swimmers of all abilities over the age of 14 years

Do I need to book in advance?

We'd strongly recommend that you book your swim session in advance to avoid any disappointment. Open Water Swimming is available for set times only

What do I need to wear?

All swimmers are required to wear swim hats for their session. These cannot be black or bright green, our reception team can assist with a suitable colour for you. Bright green swim hats must be worn by junior swimmers.

If the water temperature falls below 11 degrees

  • Tow float is mandatory
  • We'd strongly recommend wearing a wetsuit

If the water temperature is above 11 degrees

  • If you're wearing a wetsuit then a tow float is not required
  • If you're not wearing a wetsuit then a tow float must be worn

If the water temperature is above 25 degrees

  • If you're wearing a wetsuit then a tow float is not required
  • We'd strongly recommend not wearing a wetsuit

 Junior swimmers

  • Must wear a bright green swim hat
  • A tow float is mandatory 
  • Wetsuits are not mandory but recommended

Do I need to wear a swim hat?

Yes, you're required to wear a brightly coloured swim hat.

Swimmers under the age of 17 years must wear a bright green swim hat.

For swimmers with additional medical needs you can also wear a bright green swim hat to make yourself easily identifiable to the safety team.

Black swim hats are not permitted.

Who is classed as a junior swimmer?

Junior swimmers are those between the age of 14-17 years

Under the age of 14 years is not permitted

How long can I swim for?

Open Water Swimming session lasts for one hour.