Introduction to Open Water Swimming

Open water swimming has become one of the fastest growing leisure and sport activities in the UK in recent years. But what is it all about?

You may be wondering – how do I get started with open water swimming? Is it dangerous?

RLSS UK West Region is running an Introduction to Open Water Swimming Session. The session is being led by Jackie and Ronald MacDonald, both highly experienced open water swimmers and open water training instructors. The session is suitable for those interested in getting into open water swimming for the first time and those who are already open water swimmers and want to learn more.

Participants must be aged 16 or over and must be able to swim at least 800m continuously in a swimming pool.

The session will start with a briefing about open water swimming at the Little Harp Pub, before entering the water for a swim at Marine Lake, Clevedon. During the water session, Jackie and Ronald will coach you on how to swim in open water environments. The session is fully supervised by the RLSS UK qualified safety team. Once out of the water, Jackie and Ronald will explain how to keep warm post-swim and will answer any questions you may have.

Participants are invited to arrive at Marine Lake around 10.30am for a 11am start. The water session will finish around 1.30pm, but there will be an opportunity for some open water swimming under the supervision of the safety team from 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

Booking is essential (to ensure appropriate safety cover) by emailing openwater@rlsswest.org.uk and costs £5 which includes the price of a red swimming hat. All money raised is going towards fundraising for Jackie’s Brownsea Island Swim on 4th September representing RLSS UK.

Participants will need the following:

• Suitable warm clothing including hat and coat (pre- and post-swims);
• Suitable footwear, for general wear and suitable for transiting concrete and for swimming;
• Vaseline (for prevention of friction rub);
• Swimming kit;
• Wet Suit, strongly recommended as per RLSS UK Open Water Training Guidelines;
• Silicone cap x 1 (not white – a red hat is included in the course cost);
• Open water face mask and/or goggles (tinted and clear);
• Waterproof sunscreen;
• Towel x 2 minimum;
• Bag (suitable for carrying all kit and nutrition);
• Thermos flask;
• Drinking water;
• Snack.

A medical form will need to be completed for all participants: Open Water Festival Medical Form.