Along with fresher temperatures, open water swimmers have to navigate deep water, significantly reduced visibility, and potential currents or wind chop.
“Swimming in open water is very different to swimming in a pool,” says Michelle Weltman, chair of the London Disability Swim Club, and former Paralympic swim coach. “You might easily be able to swim two miles in a pool – where the water is 25 degrees – but swimming in open water, which could be 18 degrees or below, is an altogether different proposition.”
So, for Michelle, it’s vital that swimmers who are not used to training in open water undertake an induction on their first visit – in fact many open water set-ups insist upon it – to boost their knowledge, safety, and confidence in the water.
Most open water venues will also specify that you need to be confident swimming at least 100 metres in deep water, and some may require you to wear a tow-float. Many venues can accommodate swimmers with disabilities but it’s best to call ahead to check the specific provision.
Here’s our pick of the best open water inductions around the country.
1. Love Open Water, London and Nottingham
Love Open Water offers “Pool to Open Water” induction sessions at Canary Wharf and London Royal Docks, and “First Time Dippers” sessions at Notts County Sailing Club.
At each venue you’ll learn about getting into the water safely, acclimatising to cold water, and what you need kit-wise. You’ll also be taken on a guided swim. Visit their site.
2. Shepperton Open Water Swim, Surrey
At Ferry Lake, a picturesque family-run set up just outside of London, inductions are compulsory for all swimmers. These focus on familiarising you with the venue and key safety info, followed by a supervised 150-metre swim to check you’re comfortable in the water. Visit their site.
3. St Andrews Lakes, Kent
Inductions at this former quarry-turned-blue-lake reserve include a warm welcome and introduction to the lake, guidance on signalling for help and what to do in cases of cold water shock or hypothermia, and an accompanied swim with an open water lifeguard. Visit their site.
4. The SHAC, Surrey Hills
At the SHAC’s beautiful private lagoon, which boasts a 400-metre swimming loop, the centre runs “Introduction to open water swimming” courses, which include pre-swim safety and warm-up advice, the importance of evaluating swimming locations, acclimatisation and cold water shock, and safe water entry and exit. Visit their site.
5. Lake 32, Cirencester
Inductions are not compulsory at this pretty lake in Gloucestershire, but they are encouraged for first-time visitors. Sessions include a Q&A with an experienced staff member and a supported swim in the lake. Visit their site.
6. Swim Trek, Brighton
Swim Trek runs full-day “Introduction to open water” swimming courses with a focus on sea swimming. You’ll learn about the benefits and risks of cold water swimming, reading weather and tide forecasts, and how to choose a safe swim spot, finishing with a guided swim in the sea. Visit their site.
Written by Sam Haddad. Sam is a freelance journalist based in Brighton, she's been writing about sport and the outdoors for over 20 years.