Open Water Swimming for Mental Health - The Essentials
-Are you interested in learning more about open water swimming for wellbeing?
-Would you like to continue your swim journey into winter safely?

Paul & Jude are part of the specialist coaching team working with “Outside2” - a UK-based university programme exploring the applications for outdoor swimming to help improve wellbeing for NHS patients. They are both STA qualified coaches and RLSS lifeguards.

Join them for this session on the shores of Longside Lake, where they will cover the basics to keep you swimming safely and support your mental health in nature.

There will be both a ‘theory on the bank’ session and you will be guided into the water for a short swim / dip.

Who is this for?
Those curious about cold water swimming into the cooler months and even through winter and realise that some extra knowledge and experience will all ow them to do this safely. You must be able to swim 50m. Over 14s only. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Will it be cold?

When is open water swimming, cold water swimming? If the water is 15 degrees and below we consider it to be cold water swimming. In the UK, depending on the water, that could be throughout the whole year! 

The aim of the Longside Cold Water Essentials session is to give you the confidence and essential safety skills to dip or swim at Longside Lake. 

What is included:

• one hour’s coached session and swim/dip with experienced coaches Jude Palmer and Paul Mackenzie. 
• learn about what happens to the body in cold water and how to stay safe.
• learn how long is long enough and what to do if you or fellow swimmers get too cold.
• small, personal groups (1:6 ratio) with lots of time to ask questions, try out gear.
• Jude and Paul will join you in the water and give tips and confidence as neede
• 1 additional swim at Longside Lake 
• beautiful surroundings of Longside Lake with changing rooms, heaters and hot drinks available.
• easy access from M25.

The time we spend in the water depends on the group, the conditions and will be measured in minutes at this time of year and will be up to you rather than set in advance. You must be confident to be able to swim more than 200m in a swimming pool. Choose to swim either with a wetsuit or not. 

Suitable for those new to swimming outside and those wanting to learn more.

Whilst there are many benefits to being in cold water there are also risks which can include the effects of a rise in blood pressure such as heart attack. If you have any concerns regarding your health and level of fitness, please get in touch with us and/or speak to your doctor. 

The session is subject to weather and water conditions. We will inform you asap if we need to postpone the session and offer a new date. 

Cost: £55.00

Sessions can only run with sufficient numbers - so bring a friend!

Full details including kit list will be send on confirmation of your booking

What to expect: 

• welcome & safety briefing
• staying safe in cold water
• entering the water for the first time, habituation and awareness
• how long is long enough and myth busting
• benefits of cold water to mental and physical well-being
• what to wear when

The session is led by highly qualified & fully insured open water swimming coaches and lifeguards Jude Palmer (Run Surrey Hills) and Paul Mackenzie (Adventure Swims)

Jude and Paul have years of experience swimming in the sea, rivers and lakes around the world and taking part in swimming, triathlon and swimrun events not to mention simply enjoying bobbing around in water. Please get in touch if you have any questions. 

Please see Terms and Conditons for information re cancellations and refunds.