Open Water Swimming Coaching

Open Water Swimming Coaching

Give open water swimming a go or improve your technique in one of the clearest lakes in the UK. The water is that good, it's drinking grade!

Ahead of our event in October at The Lake at Cromhall Quarry, we are running two open water swimming coaching sessions.

The sessions will run on Saturday 15th August and Saturday 22nd August - you can join one or come along to both!

Coaching sessions

Want to give open water swimming a go in a safe and supportive environment? These sessions are perfect for those who want to dip their toe into something new.


If you already have some experience with open water swimming, these sessions are a great opportunity to refresh your skills.

And for people who are already training for our Open Water Swim in October, the coaching session will also give you the chance to explore the site before event day! Not only that, but you'll be able to improve your technique with expert tips from our instructor, John.

On both dates, the sessions will run 11 am to 11.45 am and will cover:

  • An introduction to open water swimming
  • Sighting
  • Turns
  • Building on distance
  • Pack swimming

After the coaching session, head to the on-site food truck to chat with other open water swimmers. It's the perfect opportunity to ask questions and share top tips.

The Lake has hot food and refreshments on site, as well as Embers Sauna - a fabulous way to end a swim!


About The Lake

  • Location: The Lake, Cromhall Quarry, Wotton Rd, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 8AA
  • There is free parking available on site.
  • Swimming caps are required and will be provided.
  • You must either wear a wetsuit or use a tow float. We will have tow floats available to borrow on the day.
  • All participants should be over 18 years old.

Payment Information

Ticket price exclusive of VAT - £4.17

VAT* value - £0.83

Total ticket price - £5

*VAT is a tax added to most products sold by VAT-registered businesses in the UK.

Terms & Conditions


Please read the following carefully before proceeding with your order.

The Lake Terms & Conditions:

1. Site Safety and Access Restrictions

1.1 Due to the risk of falling rocks and unguarded cliff edges, all visitors must remain within the designated areas as marked.

1.2 Visitors must maintain a minimum distance of 20 meters from any cliff face above road level.

1.3 Climbing, scrambling, or accessing the cliff tops, bunds, stockpiles, rocks, and cliff faces is strictly prohibited.

1.4 Unauthorised access to the Site of Special Scientific Interest located in the southwest area of the quarry is forbidden.

1.5 Young persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on-site.

1.6 Dogs must be kept on a lead and under control whilst on site. Dogs are not permitted in the water and all fouling must be picked up and disposed of by the owner.

2. Open Water Swimming

2.1 Open water swimming is permitted only within the marked course and direction for a maximum duration of 2 hours per session.

2.2 Swimmers who are not wearing a full wetsuit must use a tow float. This includes those wearing “shorties” (short-sleeved wetsuits).

2.3 Swimmers must yield to divers at all times and be aware that divers may ascend from below.

2.4 Entry and exit from the water are restricted to the designated pontoon and steps.

2.5 Swimming is only permitted for individuals aged 16 years and older.

3. Assumption of Risk and Liability

3.1 Participants acknowledge that open water swimming, diving, and paddleboarding are activities with inherent risks of personal injury or death.

3.2 Participation in these activities is entirely at the individual’s own risk.

3.3 South West Maritime Academy, its staff, and site owners accept no responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to personal property.

4. Emergency Assistance

4.1 While South West Maritime Academy staff are not part of the emergency services, they will provide assistance to the best of their ability in the event of an emergency.

5. Declaration

By making a booking, participants declare that they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions. Participants further confirm that they are medically fit and possess the necessary equipment, qualifications, and experience to safely participate in their chosen activity.

Meet your instructor

You can find out more about John on the Dip & Explore website.

Support

Contact the Sports Events Team via sports-events@bristol.ac.uk.

Price:

£5.00