Whitemills Open Water Swimming

Open Water Swimming can provide great mental and physical health benefits.

At Whitemills Wake & Aqua Park we offer sessions in our cable lake from 8am to 10am Wednesdays to Sundays, which are suitable for experienced Open Water Swimmer. However, with any water based activity, there are inherent risks of injury which could lead to death by drowning. Therefore, we ask that everyone who would like to participate reads and understands our Swimming Play Safe Code below.

SWIMMING PLAY SAFE CODE

EVEN STRONG SWIMMERS DROWN!

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SWIMMING

THERE IS NO OBSERVATION OR LIFEGUARD ON DUTY!

PLEASE SWIM RESPONSIBLY AND SWIM WITHIN YOUR LIMITS

Open Water Swimming requires physical exertion, you must consider your swimming ability before entering the water and ensure you and any children you are supervising are capable of and are in a fit state of health for swimming in the lake unaided.

LAKE DEPTH & GRADIENT

The lake is up to 2.5 METERS DEEP with a gradient of 1:4, which is steeper than a swimming pool!

WEAR THE RIGHT KIT

Wear a wetsuit and swim cap unless agreed prior to entering the water – this will assist with your core body temperature.When the water is below 12°C, you MUST wear a wetsuit.

ALWAYS SIGN IN & OUT OF THE WATER

See one of staff to ensure you have been signed in and out the lake.

ALWAYS WEAR A TOW BUOY

Tow Buoys are compulsory and MUST be worn at all times. This is to help you in an emergency and increase your visibility.

ENTER & EXIT THE WATER ONLY VIA THE MAIN ENTRY/EXIT POINT

Only use the bank to exit the lake in an emergency.

NO DIVING

The water is shallow at the bank, then gets deeper away from the bank.

RAISE YOUR ARM FOR ATTENTION

If you cannot make it to the shore, holding your tow buoy for support, raise your arm and call for help.

KEEP TO THE SWIM CIRCUIT

Enter water at the main Entry/Exit Point as illustrated on the course layout diagram.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND

KNOWLEDGE – understanding of how to swim open water is key, please ensure you have a knowledge of the techniques and safety measure required to participate in Open Water Swimming. Swim England provides an excellent resource for learning: https://www.swimming.org/openwater/improve/open-water-swimming-tips/

SWIM WITH A BUDDY – look after each other, there are no lifeguards. Under 18s are not permitted to swim alone without a buddy.

NOVICE OPEN WATER SWIMMERS – MUST declare their status, swim with a buddy and not far from the bank.

HYGIENE – shower after swimming. Wash any open wounds and ears, etc. If you develop any flu like symptoms, it is important to see your GP and advise you have been swimming in open water.

COLD TEMPERATURES – reduce time spent in the water. If you feel yourself slowing down or struggling, exit the water immediately to reduce the risk of swim failure.

CLOTHING – To ensure that outer clothing is worn pre and post swim that should be wind proof and have a hood.

COLD WATER SHOCK WARNING

The effect on the body entering cold water is often underestimated. Cold water shock can increase heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate, leading to an overall feeling of panic. This increases the chances of inhaling water into the lungs. To reduce the chances of cold water shock enter the water slowly and stay by the main Entry/Exit Point until you have given your body time to adjust. Take a minute to relax and float. If the effects of cold water shock does not pass exit the water immediately.