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    • Watersports and White Water
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  4. Open Water Swimming
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Open Water Swimming

Swim year round in the crystal clear waters at Lee Valley White Water Centre. Our unique venue has clean, clear, chlorinated water giving you the joys of open water swimming combined with the water quality of a pool.

We have top-tier facilities on-site too, accessible changing rooms, hot showers, and a cosy cafe. After your swim, warm up upstairs at Brew Street Kitchen and Bar or soak up the sun on The Terrace in summer.

Whether you're training for your next triathlon, into cold water dips, or just want to try something new, this could be just what you're looking for!

Winter Summer Charity Plunge

Swimmer Information

Sessions are open to all swimmers and can be pre-booked up to seven days in advance.

Book your session via the Lee Valley White Water Centre page on the Better App or Online to secure your spot.

Our main course is a 250m triangular loop, this reduces to a 100m course when the termperature drops below 11°C. We also have a shorter 25m acclimatisation area. 

  • Swimmers must wear a bright-colored swim hat (not black); juniors require a green hat.
  • Tow floats  are mandatory for all, we have these available to be borrowed for no additional cost.
  • Wetsuits are recommended for water temperatures below 11°C (Available to hire at additional cost)
  • Wetsuits are not recomended in water temperatures above 25°C 

Swimming hats and nose clips are available to purcase from reception.

Winter Open Water Swimming

Winter Sessions

From 26 October 2025

Tuesdays:16:45 - 17:45 and 18:00-19:00

Wednesdays: 13:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 18:00 and 19:30 - 20:30 

Thursdays: 17:30 - 18:30 

Fridays: 13:00 - 14:00 and 17:30 - 18:30

Saturdays and Sundays: 08:30 - 09:30,  14:45 - 15:45 and 16:00 - 17:00

 

Book Now

Summer Sessions

from 20 May - 26 October 2025

Tuesdays: 16:45 - 17:45

Wednesdays: 19:30 - 20:30 

Saturdays: 08:15 - 09:15

Sundays: 08:45 - 09:45

Book Now
Summer Open Water Swimming

Take the plunge for charity - host your cold water dip here!

Are you looking for a unique way to bring your team together and support a great cause?

Gather your crew and host a Cold Water Dip for charity at our stunning lake! For just £10 per person, your team can take on the ultimate cold water challenge while fundraising for your chosen charity. We’ll take care of all the safety and logistics (including lifeguard cover), so you can focus on the fun, the teamwork and the fundraising.

Whether it’s for team bonding, end of season celebrations, or community fundraising, this is a refreshing way to make a splash for good!

What you'll need:

  • Swimwear (wetsuit is optional) 
  • Towels and shower supplies 
  • Swim hat, woolly hat or Santa hat 🙂
  • Warm clothes for after your swim 
Book now

Lee Valley White Water Centre - Open Water Swimming - FAQ's

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?

  • Tow floats are mandatory for all sessions
  • 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

  • We'd strongly recommend wearing a wetsuit

If the water temperature is above 25 degrees

  • We'd strongly recommend not wearing a wetsuit

Junior swimmers

  • Must wear a bright green swim hat
  • A tow float is mandatory

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
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Working in partnership with Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.
The park offers hundreds of great days out, discover more about Lee Valley Regional Park.

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Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398.

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