Open water swimming

About

We welcome all swimmers to our regular weekly sessions every Thursday 5:30pm-7:00pm. 

Open water swimming is one of the fastest growing sports in the country combining an opportunity to improve fitness with an enjoyment of the outdoors.  Whether you are training for a triathlon or just want to take part in an activity which is sociable as well as good for you.

Swimming takes place around a 400m course in Gunwade lake, a relatively sheltered and shallow lake (4.5m maximum depth) fed by freshwater from the River Nene. Swimmers are welcome to use the facilities at Nene Outdoors watersports and activity centre including heated changing rooms and showers. Parking is available onsite .

All swimmers must wear their NOWCA Safety Wristband every time they swim. It's your personal profile on your wrist, you use it to scan yourself in to and out of the water. As operators, we will know who and how many swimmers are in the water, at any time. This is important for managing your swim safety. For you as a swimmer, wearing your NOWCA Safety Wristband will speed your entry into the water plus record your swim time and distance, just like wearing a chip at a triathlon. 

If you are new to NOWCA and don't have a NOWCA band, please sign up online (£15 registration fee) before your first swim at www.nowca.org and hit the red 'REGISTER' button at the top of the page, complete the form, citing our venue name and you will be able to collect your wristband from us ready for your first swim!  Your wristband can then be used at all the NOWCA safety accredited lakes and venues all over the country.

Please note all swimmers will be required to wear a brightly coloured swim cap.  Bring your own or buy one on arrival. 

Wetsuits are available to hire.  Use of wetsuits is compulsory for swimmers under the age of 16.

Suitable for: Minimum age 9yrs. Swimmers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Cost: £6.50 per person per session