Now that the weather is starting to warm up, so is the water! Open Water Swimming has been on a steady incline in the UK for a while now and is a great way to bring your pool training into an open body of water.
Things to be mindful of when swimming in open water:
- There are fish and insects in and around the water
- You may encounter slimy weeds just under the surface
- The water is cold (average temperature 12 – 16 degrees c)
- Wetsuits are a must
- Never go alone
I am looking at running Open Water Swimming sessions at Eccleston Delph, Eccleston in Chorley starting mid May or when the water temperature is about 14 degrees c, whichever is sooner. There will be 2-3 club coaches attending the sessions, depending on the number of swimmers and are Lifeguard and/or Emergency First Aid qualified. The sessions will take place on a Saturday mid morning or early afternoon.
Before adding your swimmer’s name to the interest list, please read the following conditions to be agreed to before your swimmer can be added to the Open Water Swimming list:
- Swimmers MUST be 12 years or older (age category has been lowered after correspondence with Eccleston Delph).
- Full length wetsuits MUST be worn, no shorties will be allowed.
- Parents of swimmers MUST be present and visible at the Delph whilst the swimmers are in the water, if a parent of a swimmer isn’t visible that swimmer will be asked to leave the water and get changed.
- Brightly coloured or club hats are very much encouraged.
Training will last about 1 hour, depending on the water temperature and how the swimmers are feeling. The cost of the training is still being negotiated with the Delph, when this is known, the post will be updated.
Expressions of interest are welcome, please send them to Elizabeth.
