Open water swimming near me

Q: What equipment is essential for open water swimming?

Tow floats Are mandatory for all swimmers. At some centres, these can be borrowed or hired and returned. Please check your chosen spot’s web page to see if tow floats can be borrowed or if you need to bring your own. Brightly coloured swim hats Are mandatory for all Open Water Swimming sessions. These help to keep you visible around the course and are needed for your safety. Check your local swimming spot’s website for details, as you may be able to buy or borrow a swim hat at reception. Goggles Not essential but very helpful – clear swimming goggles will help you to swim in open water on cloudy days and in lower light, and tinted goggles can help you to see better in brighter, sunny conditions. If you’re planning on swimming with your face in the water, don’t forget your goggles. Warm layers of clothing to wear post swim Are important when trying to warm up safely after a cold swim or dip, especially on cold days or when the seasons start to change.

Q: What should I wear to swim in the open water?

Wetsuit Not mandatory at all locations, but wetsuits are recommended for water temperatures below 15°C to help keep you warm, comfortable and buoyant. Springsuit or thermal swimsuit Both suits are designed help to retain core body heat and are ideal for spring and autumn swimming. They aren’t as thick as some wetsuits and there may be more flexibility to move. Thermal gloves Not essential, but these keep your hands warmer in the water and help to prevent numbness in cold water. Thermal boots and swim shoes Not essential, but these keep your feet warm and protected in and around the water.

Swim Wild. Feel Free.

Step into the blue for a swim like no other. Open Water Swimming sessions are the perfect way to boost your mood, take on a challenge and feel truly free as you move.

With five venues that are safe and welcoming to all abilities – you can take the plunge, reach new limits and build confidence and resilience that lasts beyond the water.

Whether you fancy an escape from your day to day, a dip in nature or to train for a triathlon – the open water is ready and waiting for you.

Open Water Swimming Venues

Lee Valley White Water Centre

Best for: Learning new techniques

Swim year round at Lee Valley White Water Centre, in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire - just outside of London and Essex.

This unique location has clean, clear, chlorinated water giving you the joys of open water swimming combined with the water quality of a pool. This spot is perfect for trying out open water swimming and learning new techniques safely, so you can go from pool to pond with confidence.

Find 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 the place for you.

Try open water swimming

West Reservoir Centre

Best for: Pool to pond swimmers

West Reservoir is a manmade lake in the heart of Stoke Newington in North London. This picturesque beauty spot is also London’s top open water swimming location, making it ideal for swimmers who want to give this activity a go. It's the perfect environment for leisurely dips and session swims.

This is a safe and welcoming space with course options ranging from a 100m to 400m. Course availability depends on weather and water temperature. The water is clean and naturally filtered – tested regularly for peace of mind.

Every session is fully supervised by our qualified safety team, ensuring you enjoy the best and safest open water experience.

Sessions are for confident swimmers, but newcomers to open water are welcome to start. For a new way to move and reconnect with nature in the heart of London – book your next swim at the reservoir.

Book West Reservoir

Debdale Outdoor Centre

Best for: escape to nature

Take a dip on the wild side at Debdale Outdoor Centre. This location on the outskirts of Manchester is the perfect escape to nature, where you can enjoy all the benefits of open water swimming, along with water sport activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and a number of RYA sailing and windsurfing courses.

At the reservoir, you will be truly at one with nature – it's the perfect place for a training session or a dip with friends and getting a real feel of the great outdoors.

Tow floats are mandatory and can be hired, so you can show up and try something new without the commitment. Please provide your own wetsuit if you wish to wear one. There are toilets and changing areas. Please bring a padlock for your locker or these are available to purchase at reception. It is advised that you bring a hot drink and everything you need to keep warm and safe for your visit.

Open water swimming sessions begin on Tuesday 9th June.

Book Debdale Outdoor Centre

Herts Young Mariners Base

Best for: training in winter

At Herts Young Mariners Base in Cheshunt, you can enjoy the freedom, fresh air and sense of wellbeing that comes from swimming outside. Whether you’re building fitness, training for a challenge, or looking to enjoy a revitalising dip with friends.

This location is an ideal setting for open water swim training, with sessions running throughout the year. In spring and summer, you’ll have access to a 500m 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.

At the Base, you’ll find a whole range of exciting outdoor activities on the lake and surrounding areas, from kayaking and stand up paddleboarding to archery and climbing. There’s accessible changing facilities, parking and a spot to fill up your reusable coffee cup to warm up after your swim.

This is the perfect place to make the most of your time outdoors.

Swim at Herts Young Mariners Base

Stanborough Park Water Sports Centre

Best for: views of the countryside

Set in the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City and surrounded by a beautiful countryside park, competent swimmers can take up Open Water Swimming at Stanborough Park Water Sports Centre.

With seasonal courses that range in length – you can swim in the lake at your own pace and try a new way to move in a safe and supportive environment throughout the year.

Along with changing areas and warm showers, you'll also find a café serving hot and cold beverages plus snacks, as well as plenty more water activities to try. All sessions are supervised by lifeguards, so you can feel confident and safe in the water.

Stanborough Lake is your space to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. Book your next swim for the perfect endorphin boost.

Discover Stanborough Lake

Benefits of open water swimming

Physical Health

Open Water Swimming is a low impact, high reward full-body workout. It’s the ultimate way to build physical strength, stamina and resilience.

Regardless of how fast or how far you swim, the proven health benefits of being in cold water are definitely worth dipping for. These include:

Boosted metabolism
Boosted immune system
Improved circulation
Temporary pain and inflammation relief
Ideal for managing menopause symptoms

Make a splash, feel exhilarated and build strength and confidence that lasts.

Mental wellbeing

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with nature, find space and time for your mind and improve your quality of sleep – dive into open water swimming. Swimming in blue, open spaces has great benefits to your mental wellbeing, which include:

Lowering cortisol levels to reduce stress
Triggering endorphins for a mood boost
Circadian rhythm regulation for better sleep
Increased resilience from overcoming new challenges
Active mindfulness as you navigate your swimming experience

Show up, test the waters and see how invincible you truly are.

Community spirit

Find your community down by the lake – open water swimming is a great way to socialise, meet new people and build connections that last. This unique activity is safest when experienced with others, so bring a friend or join in with the growing number of welcoming and friendly swimming groups for all abilities that use these open water spots.

If you’re not sure and would rather spend some time swimming by yourself – you'll be safe and supervised by our lifeguard teams the entire time. Just make sure you take note of the safety rules before heading in for your first dip.

Open water swimming with others is a wonderful, shared adventure. Show up, have a laugh and take on the challenge together.

Go from pool to pond

Feeling inspired to get swimming in the great outdoors, but not sure where to start?

Open water swimming is an exciting and challenging activity. No two swims are the same and this is all part of the fun.

Although swimming skills are a must, learning how to navigate new environments, the elements and colder temperatures in your open water swimming spot will come with practise.

If you want to take your swimming to new levels, book an Introduction or Beginners Open Water Swimming session at your local facility to build your confidence, and go from pool to pond with our support.

Rules

Open water swimming is great fun when you feel safe. To make sure you are feeling safe and confident in the water, it’s important to follow these rules:

Tow floats are mandatory for all swimmers
Bright swim hats must be worn
If in distress, lay on your back and put your arm in the air
Backstroke is not permitted
Cuts and should be covered

Book open water swimming online

Are you ready to step into the glittering lake and feel the benefits of open water swimming?

Booking in advance for all Open Water Swimming sessions is advised – so find your nearest spot and book it with Better online or via the Better UK app today.

Open Water Swimming sessions may not run every day at your chosen spot, so check the location’s webpage for swimming session times before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to take part in an Open Water Swimming session?

Prices for an Open Water Swimming session vary across our locations – check the webpage for your chosen location to see pricing options.

Is Open Water Swimming included in my membership?

Open Water Swimming sessions are included in some of our memberships, including the Better UK-wide membership and Swim UK membership. Check with your chosen location to see if Open Water Swimming sessions are included in your membership.

Is open water safe to swim in?

We rigorously test the water quality at all venues to ensure water is safe to swim in and is up to regulatory standards. If there is an issue with the water quality for any reason, the location will be closed to swimmers and reopened when it is treated and safe to swim.

What are the course sizes?

Course sizes for open water swimming may vary depending on the weather, season and water temperature. The colder the water, the shorter the course. Courses are reduced in the colder months, so that you can still swim, but swim safely. Check your local facility’s web page for specific course length information and water temperatures.

Do I need to complete an induction?

You do not have to complete an induction to enjoy Open Water Swimming sessions, however, you will be required to attend a safety talk on your first visit across all of our locations. This includes an overview of the course, direction of swimming and a reminder of the open water safety rules.

How does this experience differ to pool swimming?

Open water swimming is an exhilarating and freeing experience when carried out safely.

Natural surroundings
There’s something special about swimming in nature, under the open sky. Open water swimming is a fantastic way to escape your day to day, focus on the present moment and reconnect with your surroundings.

Loops over lanes
The open water courses are set out in a loop as opposed to lanes, meaning there are less restrictions on space when swimming. People of all abilities can complete their swim around the course as there is plenty of space.

Water temperature
The water may be a lot colder than you’re used to in an indoor swimming pool or heated lido as these water temperatures are influenced by the air temperature, ground temperature and seasons.

Part of the fun with open water swimming is navigating these changes as they happen throughout the year. In the summer, expect a cool but comfortable swim or dip and longer loops. In the colder months, expect an energising and bracing, shorter swim or dip.

Weather conditions
In lakes and reservoirs there may still be currents and swims will become more challenging if it rains and the wind picks up. Be prepared for this by ensuring you swim with a mandatory tow float, as this will provide some support and an opportunity to rest as you complete your swim in choppier conditions. If you feel like you’re struggling – lie on your back and raise your arm, and a staff member will be there to help you.

Swimming in open water will be cancelled if there’s a thunderstorm and lightning. It will reopen 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder to ensure it’s safe for swimmers.

Sunny conditions are perfect for an open water swim but make sure to wear water resistant sun protection to avoid getting sunburn and harming your skin.

Swimming skills are essential
With open water sessions, the ability to swim is an essential skill and you will not be able to participate if you cannot swim.

What equipment is essential for open water swimming?

Tow floats
Are mandatory for all swimmers. At some centres, these can be borrowed or hired and returned. Please check your chosen spot’s web page to see if tow floats can be borrowed or if you need to bring your own.

Brightly coloured swim hats
Are mandatory for all Open Water Swimming sessions. These help to keep you visible around the course and are needed for your safety. Check your local swimming spot’s website for details, as you may be able to buy or borrow a swim hat at reception.

Goggles
Not essential but very helpful – clear swimming goggles will help you to swim in open water on cloudy days and in lower light, and tinted goggles can help you to see better in brighter, sunny conditions. If you’re planning on swimming with your face in the water, don’t forget your goggles.

Warm layers of clothing to wear post swim
Are important when trying to warm up safely after a cold swim or dip, especially on cold days or when the seasons start to change.

What should I wear to swim in the open water?

Wetsuit
Not mandatory at all locations, but wetsuits are recommended for water temperatures below 15°C to help keep you warm, comfortable and buoyant.

Springsuit or thermal swimsuit
Both suits are designed help to retain core body heat and are ideal for spring and autumn swimming. They aren’t as thick as some wetsuits and there may be more flexibility to move.

Thermal gloves
Not essential, but these keep your hands warmer in the water and help to prevent numbness in cold water.

Thermal boots and swim shoes
Not essential, but these keep your feet warm and protected in and around the water.