The Blog
Give open water swimming a go
Open water swimming is growing in popularity for its many health benefits, and with a number of venues on our doorstep you can give it a try this summer.
If you’re feeling brave, taking a dip in a lake can rejuvenate both mind and body and help reconnect us with nature.
Cold water swimming boosts the immune system and improves circulation, activates endorphins for a natural high and is a great form of exercise. You’ll also discover a great sense of community through a shared experience and challenge.
We are lucky to have three safe and secure open water swimming venues close by – see below – that cater for newbies, experienced swimmers and triathletes alike.
They all run regular taster sessions and open water swimming courses as well as special events, such as night swims, with changing rooms on site and hot drinks (and cake!) available after your swim. Juniors from age 8, if competent swimmers, can also be catered for but do check with the venue first.
To make the most of your open water experience, here are a few tips to help you embrace the cold.
- Summer is the best time to begin acclimatising to the water temperature. Taking cold showers beforehand can help. Start by turning the heat down in the shower until your breathing changes and count to 30. Over time, build up until you can stand two to three minutes.
- Only ever swim where it is safe and you can enter and exit the water quickly and easily. It is strongly advised and often mandatory that you swim with a safety buoy / tow float and never swim on your own.
- Wear a (brightly coloured) swimming hat to help preserve body heat, likewise neoprene gloves and socks. Wetsuits are mandatory for juniors and strongly advised for all when the water temperature is below 15C.
- Take your time. The general rule is that you can swim for one minute per degree of water temperature, but obviously you need to listen to your body, too. Cold-water shock can be extremely dangerous.
- When you get out, warm up slowly. A hot shower can cool your core so instead make sure you have plenty of warm clothes, wrap up well and have a hot drink.
In summer the course at Swim Six Hills (LE14 3PR) expands to a 500m loop which will take you on a picturesque swim around the island. There’s a newly opened cafe, The Flying Goose, with a clinic offering physio, biomechanics and sports massage to come. Follow on social media @swimsixhills or email swim@themtc.co.uk
There are two swim loops at Race Hub Frisby Lakes (LE14 3TL) of approximately 350m and 700m with newly launched paddlesports, The Lake Cafe, wetsuit hire and shop on site. There’a also a scenic 30-minute walk around the lake. Follow on socials @racehub.uk visit www.racehub.uk or email info@racehub.uk
Inspire 2 Tri offers open water swimming at Whitwell, Rutland Water (LE15 8BL), on Sundays and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from May to September. There are 200-250m and 500m marked courses within the more sheltered creek and a cafe, wetsuit hire and shop on site. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @inspire2tri visit