OPEN WATER SWIMMING
Why not join us for some outdoor swimming? Open water swimming has some fabulous benefits. Not only is it good for your physical and mental health, it can be a great thrill if carried out in a safe, fun and responsible way.
It is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Once hooked you may even want to take part in a triathlon, take a challenge for charity or just use it as a great way to keep fit and healthy. If you’ve had enough of lane ropes, chlorinated water, congested lanes or if you love the outdoors or always enjoy swimming on holiday then why not give it a go?
When
We have sessions every morning 365 days a year, although the timings vary slightly according to the time of year. The summer season generally runs from mid April to September depending on water temperature and conditions. More experienced swimmers continue to swim at Manvers Lake all year round - please read our winter swimming rules & procedures here).
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Please note: We are now in our Winter season and only members who have already been assessed are able to swim over winter for safety reasons.
Please see our FAQs for further information.
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Non members can try Open Water Dipping out of season via the following link
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Members Only Sessions (who are signed off):
Monday to Sunday mornings, week day lunchtimes (when available) and Wednesday & Friday evenings. See webcollect swimming bookings page for session times, details, guidance and session rules.
Winter Season Only:
Over winter we have 'Private Coached Pool Sessions' available at Wath Leisure Centre. Please note there is a small charge for these.
Bookings are put onto Webcollect weekly – if the booking you are trying to make is not available yet, please try booking later. Most of the booking slots for the week ahead are done on a Sunday evening.
About
Manvers Lake has some of the best facilities in the country for open water swimming. We have clean clear water all year round, showers and changing facilities, slipway access to the water and a clearly marked swim course.
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How good a swimmer do I need to be?
As with many sports open water swimming does have risks. If you are a confident swimmer and regularly lane swim for more than 20 minutes you should be OK to swim. Our “Open to all” sessions are lifeguarded - have safety cover and briefings (only available in the summer season). The swimming circuits on the lake are either 400m or 800 metres (equivalent to 16 or 32 lengths of a normal pool), although shorter distance swims are also possible. Many of our swimmers choose to swim breaststroke which is perfectly fine but if you want to improve your strokes speed and stamina we often have coaches who will help you.
For safety reasons you will need to complete an induction* and be assessed before being allowed to swim on the daily sessions. Please wear a brightly coloured hat for all sessions. Wetsuits are not mandatory but you must have a tow float if you don't wear one.
* Please note: There is a small charge for these. Only available summer season.
