Open Water Swimming - The Essentials

-Are you interested in learning more about open water swimming?

-Would you like to continue your swim journey with a little more knowledge and safety information?

We are very experienced open water and cold water swim coaches and run sessions for Portsmounth University as part of their research programme exploring the applications for outdoor swimming to help improve wellbeing for NHS patients. We are STA qualified coaches and RLSS lifeguards.

Join us for this session on the shores of Longside Lake, where we will cover the basics to keep you swimming safely and support your mental health in nature.

There will be both a ‘theory on the bank’ session and you will be guided into the water for a short swim / dip.

You need to book your swim entry using the usual Longside Lake booking portal.

Who is this for?

Those curious about cold water swimming in the cooler months and realise that some extra knowledge and experience will allow them to do this safely. You must be able to swim 50m. Over 14s only. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult on the course.

Will it be cold?

When is open water swimming, cold water swimming? If the water is 15 degrees and below we consider it to be cold water swimming. In the UK, depending on the water, that could be throughout the whole year!

The aim of the Longside Cold Water Essentials session is to give you the confidence and essential safety skills to dip or swim at Longside Lake.

What is included:

one hour’s coached session and swim/dip with experienced coaches Paul Mackenzie and/or Jude Palmer

learn about what happens to the body in cold water and how to stay safe

learn about the best way to 'set up for success' before your swim

learn how long is long enough and what to do if you or fellow swimmers get too cold.

small, personal groups (1:6 ratio) with lots of time to ask questions, try out gear.

Jude and Paul will join you in the water and give tips and confidence as needed

beautiful surroundings of Longside Lake with csauna and hot drinks available.

easy access from M25.

The time we spend in the water depends on the group, the conditions and will be measured in minutes at this time of year and will be up to you rather than set in advance. You must be confident to be able to swim more than 50m in a swimming pool. Choose to swim either with a wetsuit or not - your preference.

Suitable for those new (ish) to swimming outside and those wanting to learn more.

Whilst there are many benefits to being in cold water there are also risks which can include the effects of a rise in blood pressure such as heart attack. If you have any concerns regarding your health and level of fitness, please get in touch with us and/or speak to your doctor.

The session is subject to weather and water conditions. We will inform you asap if we need to postpone the session and offer a new date - so please share your mobile number on the booking form and have it with you on the day.

Cost: This is a private group likely to be 6-7 people, minimum of 4 persons.

Full details including kit list will be send on confirmation of your booking

What to expect:

welcome & safety briefing

staying safe in cold water

entering the water for the first time, habituation and awareness

how long is long enough and myth busting

benefits of cold water to mental and physical well-being

what to wear when

The session is led by highly qualified & fully insured open water swimming coaches and lifeguards Paul Mackenzie and/ or Jude Palmer.

Jude and Paul have years of experience swimming in the sea, rivers and lakes around the world and taking part in swimming, triathlon and swimrun events not to mention simply enjoying bobbing around in water. Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Please see Terms and Conditons for information re cancellations and refunds.

Description supplied by the event organiser.