Regular open-water swims resume at popular site after ban is eased

The government’s first easing of lockdown restrictions in mid-May lifted the previous ban on open-water swimming – but naturally where this is now allowed, strict guidelines are being enforced to keep everyone safe.

Nevertheless, the people behind our sister website Myopenwaterswim.co.uk, in conjunction with the management at one of its regular organised swim sites, were keen to take to the lake again – and were finally able to do so on Saturday 23rd May.

One of the main objectives of our first swim for 12 weeks was to gauge how easy it would be to ensure that all the restrictions in force were observed by everyone taking part.

And we’re pleased to report that, thanks to the usual high standards of co-operation from the managers of our regular site, at Pennington Flash, just outside Leigh, Greater Manchester, this tentative ‘toe in the water’ exercise was judged a success.

“We’re really pleased to have this opportunity to get back to doing the swimming that lots of us enjoy”, said Steve Collins, who organises the events.

“Understandably, some tighter restrictions than usual are in place for the time being – and first and foremost, participants need to be registered as a MyOpenWaterSwim member.

“But membership can be bought for as little as £15 a year, which buys entry to as many swims as you like on a ‘pay as you go’ basis, and entitles you to a discount on the swimming gear available at the shop at the Flash.

“That means it’s great value as a way of introducing yourself to the pleasures of open-water swimming, and doing so in a safe, controlled manner under the guidance of experienced participants.”

Safe swimming at this site can now be enjoyed on five set session times every week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 5.30-7.30pm, and on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 7.30 and 9.30am.

For the time being, sessions must be booked in advance online, and no one will be allowed onto the site without a prior booking. Make your reservation here.

Sessions are taking place on a timed rota basis – these are carefully organised to give every participant about 45 minutes’ swim time, plus time for preparing beforehand and clearing away afterwards.

You must change in your car for the time being – and bear in mind that there are also currently no toilets open at the site, a restriction which, of course, applies to all other open-water facilities at the time of writing.

When you book your session, you must agree to the following rules and accept the restrictions in place at the Flash, namely:

• You will only be allowed on site 10 minutes before the start of the session and must arrive before the start of your selected time slot in order to avoid a crossover of people in the car park;
• You will be able to get out of the water at any time during your session;
• Bear in mind that indoor areas remain shut, so there is no access to changing rooms, showers, toilets or refreshment facilities, and;
• Only the people who are pre-booked and swimming are allowed on-site – no spectators.

“Pennington Flash swim has positioned itself as a very friendly, welcoming swim site, offering a safe environment – both in the water in terms of swim safety and out of the water in terms of distancing,” said Cllr James Moodie, Lead Member for Leisure and Public Health at site owner Wigan Borough Council.

“As the Flash is open to swimmers of all abilities, it’s a site where everyone enjoys themselves,”. Steve Collins added..

Meanwhile, the permitted return to open – and unpatrolled – waters has, sadly but perhaps predictably, led to an increase in drownings, not only in the UK, but also in major swimming countries including the USA and Australia.

We reported last week that Swim England was urging only “competent and experienced” swimmers to go into recognised open water swimming sites.

Freestyle Olympic medallist Kerri-Anne Payne added her voice to those urging people to exercise caution. “If you are NOT a competent open water swimmer, now is not the time to learn,” she said in an Instagram post.

“That said, if you have weighed up the risks, have checked the latest safety advice, know what to expect in a stretch of open water, and you come along properly equipped – and prepared for things to be a little different from usual before and after you get into the water – then we welcome you along, and will give all the encouragement and advice we can to help you,” said Steve Collins.