Open Water Swimming at Thames Young Mariners
Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development are running open water swim sessions in our tidal lake at Thames Young Mariners OEC (TYM).
Our lake is a beautiful setting in which to spend time swimming, either for training for events, fitness, or to help with mental health.
View times and book your open water swimming session
There has been a large increase in Open Water Swimming over the last few years.
Our lake is a safe venue for you to experience this growing sport, even if it's your first time or you are a seasoned swimmer. With dedicated swim safety on site and many supportive swimmers in the water with you, Thames Young Mariners is a great spot to swim!
About the lake
Thames Young Mariners is a lake attached to the River Thames. We are a tidal lake, so our level will change with the tides. This means we are only able to swim at certain levels. Swims are roughly every other week, when the lake is at a suitable level.
The lake is water sampled monthly, with extra samples taken when there are concerns, such as after heavy rain, or reports of sewage outflow.
Caution should always be taken when swimming in open water.
During the summer we have a 500 meter and 250 meter loop, swimming clockwise. Once the water drops to under 12 degrees we will only have a 250m loop available.
Opening Times
Summer season
During the summer season we will swim on either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings (5pm to dusk) and on the weekends, 7.30am to 9.30am.
All dates are dependent on other user groups and tidal levels. Evening sessions will end once we run out of evening light, around end of September.
Winter season
In the winter it will be weekends only, and between 9am to 10.30am.
Price
Sessions are £6. We are currently selling 30 minute blocks, but if you wish to swim for longer please contact us and we will extend your session.
Equipment required
There is currently no equipment to borrow from Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD).
You will need all your own equipment. We do allow skins swimming, so a wetsuit is not vital. We would like for your first swim with SOLD to be in a wetsuit so we can observe your swimming. After this you will be able to swim skins.
Bright swim hat, swimming costume, goggles, wetsuit, shoes to walk to the lake, warm clothes for post swim and Tow Float.
For winter swimming additional items are recommended to make your swim more pleasant - including gloves, socks and a neoprene hat. All of these can be purchased with thermal versions.
If you are new to open water swimming a wetsuit is highly recommended as it will give you additional buoyancy and warmth.
Additional Info
Currently no under 18's with out contacting, Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD). or those without their own equipment.
Previous cold water swimming experience recommended.