Windermere reopens for organised group swims

Sister business to MyTriathlon, MyOpenWaterSwim, is delighted to be welcoming back participants to join regular group swims at a stunning, picturesque location near Bowness on Lake Windermere in Cumbria.

Swims will be taking place there every Wednesday through the summer months from 15th July at an easily-accessible site near the village of Bowness, which is very well-known to Lake District visitors.

Regular swimmers and newcomers alike are welcome to sign up for and attend these events, where we offer a choice of 400 metre, 750 metre and 1km courses.

If you’re frustrated at the lack of opportunities for indoor pool swimming, this is a chance for you to experience the freedom of a different kind of swimming. We encourage all participants to wear a wetsuit, and they’re compulsory for under-18s.

Don’t worry though if you don’t have one, because you can hire one from just £10 for a single session, by booking here.

For insurance purposes, you need to sign up as a member of MyOpenWaterSwim.co.uk to be eligible to join these sessions. These prices start at just £15 (£30 for a family) for a full year. After this, you can join any of our weekly swims on a ‘pay as you swim’ basis. You also get a 5% discount on wetsuits from MyTriathlon.co.uk, as well as any other running or cycling gear you might need. This too, is valid for the whole year, so you can shop multiple times and claim the money off every order.

If you’re a newcomer to lake swimming, you’ll want reassurance that all the proper safety measures are in place. Our sessions are run by Steve Collins, a long-time organiser of open water swim events. Water safety procedures are overseen by Paul Odonnell, who is experienced in full-length Lake District swims, including Windermere both one-way and two-way. An Avonmill safety craft is on hand to provide cover. The team also carries a defibrillator.

“The Lakes can get as rough as the sea at times,” says Steve, “so we make sure that back-up is always on hand. But we also give novice and inexperienced swimmers lots of sound tips, and will do all we can to make them feel safe and have an enjoyable time.

“As pool swimming remains off limits for the time being, our regular sessions are the ideal time for anyone who has thought about giving open-water swimming a go, but hasn’t got round to it, to come along and try it in a very informal and supportive environment.”