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Open Water Swimming

Our Online Booking System is now available – Please click here to book

As our regular winter swimmers know safety is key to all Winter Swimming Sessions

It is important to us that all swimmers are fully informed , understand how  your body may respond to cold water and what measures to take prior , during and post swim to look after yourself, others and get maximum benefit from each cold water swim. 

We will host one hour Theory Winter O W Information Sessions, £25  and  two hour Theory and Practical Winter OW Sessions, £35. Dates and time will be added to Booking Page during August Book here

If you have previously attended a Winter Open Water Info session you may like to refresh your knowledge by completing our Cold Water Revision Certificate. https://lencheslakes.co.uk/cold-water-swimming-revision-certificate/

Advance online booking is essential for swim sessions  and all swimmers are required  to complete the online Swimmers Responsibility Statement before your first swim. This form only needs to be completed once.

Online Bookings and Payment in advance only – . Please do not arrive on site without pre booking and paying, there is no facility for refunds for missed or late arrivals.

 All swimmers are required to have their own medical ID Band, we use the Sports Guardian Wristband’. Please click here

We scan your band when you enter and exit the lake  hence the band  is  a ‘safety tracker’, whilst you are in the water . Most importantly it is  your own personal ‘medical ID’ band for any activity you chose. The wristband is not limited to swimming only, anything – running, cycling, walking, supermarket shopping!  There is a ‘one-off’ cost for the wristband, but no annual subscription or membership fees – the band is yours and will only need replacing if it is lost or damaged. For Occasional visitors and guests – we have Guest Sports Guardian  available to hire at £2 per session.

Rescheduling, Cancellation and Refunds

Occasional Guests

We welcome guests and realise the practicality of attending a Winter Swimming Information Session  prior to their visit is difficult. We ask all guests to be experienced open water swimmers who have been We welcome ‘guest swimmers’ to Lenches Lakes and all we ask is that they can swim at least 50 metres with minimal difficulty and can also ‘tread water’ when needed, as they will be out of their depth at times around the lake. Guests will not need to purchase a ‘swim wristband’ as ‘guest wristbands’ will be available, however there will be a small charge for this.

Changing

Changing to take place lakeside, tented changing area or in warm room (limited space) if bad weather.  

We do not have separate changing areas for male and female

Please bear in mind we do not have lockers, please do not bring valuable items, or use a tow float with dry bag incorporated for phones/keys/wallets, or lock valuables in car.

Toilets and showers – are available. Showers cost £1 which provides you with hot water for up to 4 minutes.

Swimmers

All swimmers must wear a bright hat and  if not wearing a wetsuit, a Tow Float must be worn . Tow Floats can be hired for £2.50 per person per swim session.

Pre / Post Swim

ADVICE	REASON
Pre Swim Cover open wounds Do not swim if feeling unwell	To prevent microbial access to the body If the immune system is suppressed by illness you are more susceptible to infection
Advised not to swim wearing contact lenses	Risk in ANY water including tap water of Acanthamoeba Keratitis
Post Swim Wash hands before eating or drinking (or use sterilising wipes/gels)	To reduce the risk of ingesting pathogenic microbes
Shower in fresh water at the earliest opportunity	To remove all microbes, many of which are able to survive on the skin surface for long periods
Rinse and wash all kit in fresh water before drying thoroughly – including wetsuit, goggles, swimming costume	To remove all microbes and potentially prevent toxin concentration in/on the item that can cause skin irritations and eye infections
Seek medical advice if you feel ill or develop symptoms including rashes for up to 3 weeks following your swim – highlighting that you have been swimming in open water (and where)	It can take up to 3 weeks for the symptoms of Weil’s Disease to develop.
Sharing information can help identify the source and nature of the problem and the most effective treatment. It can also help identify problems with particular bodies of water

Junior Policy

Swimmers under 18 years of age

Lenches Lakes supports the provision of open water swimming opportunities for children who wish to participate from the age they are confident and competent swimmers.

 Under 12 years

12 – 16 years

Participation is subject to:

• Parent/legal guardian permission, Swimmer Responsibility Registration document signed and completed by parent/guardian
• A competency test1 by Session Leader on duty.
• The swimmer being accompanied on site by a responsible adult aged 18 or over

16 – 18 years

Participation is subject to:

• Parent/legal guardian permission, Swimmer Responsibility Registration document signed and completed by parent/guardian
• A competency test1 by Session Leader on duty.

All Juniors are required to;          

Lifeguards or Land Based safety team will politely ask weak swimmers to leave the session or restrict swimmer to acclimatisation area if swimmer safety is comprised.

Disability Swimming

The course design will not require change for swimmers with walking difficulties. Access via regular entry

We look forward to welcoming you to the Winter Swim Season.