Open Water Swimming Sessions
Grab your swim caps and tow floats, and join the experts at Swimcube Open Water for open water swimming sessions at Grafham Water and Pitsford Water.
Open water swimming is only permitted as part of these organised sessions with trained lifeguards on duty. For your safety, please keep yourself and your four-legged friends out of the water outside of these times.
Who can join the sessions?
You don't need to be an experienced open water swimmer! Our sessions are open to anyone over the age of 8, but you do need to be able to swim at least 200 metres. Please note that swimmers aged between 8 and 11 need consent prior to attending the session.
How do I book?
To book onto a session, simply download the Wild app or visit the Grafham Water or Pitsford Water pages of the Wild website, sign up and book your session! The app isn't just a booking system, it's also a great safety tool that connects to your wristband during your sessions.
Do I need to be an experienced open water swimmer?
Not at all! There are two marked courses for you to choose from - a longer 800m loop or a shorter 300m loop. At every session there'll be a trained open water lifeguard on hand if anyone needs assistance.
If you haven't tried open water swimming before or, we'll be adding an Introduction to Open Water Swimming course where you'll be coached by one of our experienced team members.
Is the water safe to swim in?
We have marked out an area of the reservoir that is safe for supervised open water swimming. However, for your safety, open water swimming is only allowed during allocated times where a lifeguard is present. To find out more about the available times you can book to swim, please visit the Wild app.
What do I need to bring with me?
If you're not an experienced open water swimmer and don't have all the gear - don't worry!
Wetsuits - these are optional, but if you do wish to wear one, there are a limited number available to hire and purchase onsite.
Tow floats - anyone swimming without a wetsuit must wear a tow float, so you're easily visible to our staff and other water users. These will be available to hire and purchase onsite for anyone that needs one.
Brightly coloured swim hats - all swimmers must wear a brightly coloured hat for safety purposes. These will be available to purchase onsite if necessary.
Warm clothes - remember that water temperature can feel much colder than air temperature - even on a warm sunny day, the water can feel colder than you might think. Make sure you bring something to wrap up warm in, and make sure it's easily accessible for when you get out of the water.
Are there changing facilities?
There are currently no showers available, however there is a wash down point at Grafham located by the pontoon.
At Grafham, you can use the nearby Fishing Lodge toilets if you wish. And at Pitsford, there are toilets at Brixworth Country Park you can use.
Is there somewhere safe to store my valuables?
We strongly advise you to keep all of your valuables in your car and we have a board to keep your car keys safe during your swim.
How do I get there?
For Grafham Water, head to our Mander Car Park using postcode PE28 0BX.
For Pitsford Water, head to Brixworth Country Park using postcode NN6 9DG. Once you get there, head towards the water and turn left along the access track. The swim area is at the edge of the Sailing Club boundary.
Prices
Our water parks not only bring vital water resources for the region, but they also provide a fantastic day out for all the family.
Whether you're looking for an action-packed day on the water, a spot of fishing to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life, or simply want to enjoy a relaxing walk in beautiful surroundings, look no further than our fabulous water parks.