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​PLEASE NOTE- you will have to register with NOWCA to swim with us at our public swim sessions. This is not mandatory for all coaching sessions.

​​Remember to select Lake Ashmore to pick up your wristband.

​​All swimmers must wear their NOWCA Safety Wristband every time they swim at our public swim sessions. 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.

​​All open water swimming sessions can be booked through the NOWCA BOOKING APP,

More info on our sessions:​

​​We also run private open water swimming sessions for swim/triathlon clubs and small groups. Please email us for more details on private sessions.

​If you are new to open water swimming, we run a group introduction to open water swimming, cost £25.00 per person which includes booking fee.

​Dates for our group introduction sessions are detailed on the NOWCA website and app.

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​​Alternatively , if a group intro session is not for you, you might benefit more from a 1-2-1 coaching session, cost is £50. The 1-2-1 is structured specifically to your personal needs and goals. Please email us for more info on our intro group or 1-2-1 coaching sessions.

​Lake Ashmore have their own Covid-19 guidelines in place. Toilets and changing rooms are open but only one person is allowed in at a time into the changing rooms, showers are not in use. You must wipe everything down you have touched with the antibacterial wipes inside the changing rooms and toilets, (wipes provided). Lake Ashmore are still serving hot and cold beverages from their kiosk but the clubhouse is closed to the public. Please visit their site for more info www.lakeashmore.co.uk

​Please use the main car park and walk directly to the open water swimming meeting point. Just follow the gravel track road that’s situated on the right hand side of the wakeboarding area.

Arrive at lakeside no more than 15 mins before your swim slot. A member of our team will check that you are on our list and then let you in. You may be asked to wait if you arrive any earlier. Please be patient with our team, we will get you in swimming as quick and as safely as possible. Please use the hand sanitiser on entry and exit.

​​The swim meeting point will be set up similar to a triathlon transition. Only swimmers and one other family member to help you in your wetsuit will be allowed to enter. Families who are all swimming can enter together. If you want you can arrive in your wetsuit ready to swim.

​​There are marked entry and exit signs into and out of the water, please check in and out of the water with the spotter at bank-side to scan your wristband. The spotter will also give you a safety briefing if you have not swam with us before or if there are additional safety measures in place for the session.

​If you are new to our open water swimming sessions please let the team know. We will spend time with you going through our procedures to make sure you get the most out of your swim.

​​If you are new to our open water swimming sessions please let the team know. We will spend time with you going through our procedures to make sure you get the most out of your swim.

​If you need assistance once out in the water please roll over onto your back and wave and shout if you can at our safety team. A safety kayak will come over to you. Please note for this reason BACK STROKE swimming is not allowed at our venue. Two reasons for not allowing back stroke, one- we will think you need our assistance and two, you wont be able to see where you are going.

​​The swim routes are marked out by swim buoys, the swim routes and distances are displayed at the swim entry point.

When you leave the transition please check out at our entry/exit desk.

​​Have a great swim! Remember all of our team work on a voluntary basis to put these sessions on so please be patient with them. The other alternative was not to open up our sessions to the public at this difficult time; we have worked hard with our insurers and British triathlon to put these sessions on and are looking forward to seeing you all.

​​​​Note – we can not offer you a refund on your swim if you decide not to turn up. A Conditional refund system is in place on the Actio booking system for when we are fully booked and have a waiting list.

​​​Please email us if you have any questions or if you need more details

​​Open water is a fantastic experience, but it does come with its risks. Please read and abide by our terms and conditions below:

• NOWCA wristbands must be worn at all times at our swim sessions. If you lose your band you will be charged for a new one.
• Minor cuts and abrasions must be covered up with a plaster. If you have any deep cuts you must not swim.
• Do not swim if you are unwell.
• Do not swim if you are taking medication which may affect your ability to swim safely.
• If you are unwell after open water swimming and suffering with flu-like symptoms or headaches please see your GP ASAP and inform them you have been swimming in open water.
• Try not to ingest any water while swimming in open water.
• Do not eat after open water swimming until you have washed your hands in fresh water.
• It is compulsory to wear brightly coloured swim hats so you can clearly be seen in the water, (NO HAT, NO SWIM).
• Wetsuits are optional, however we recommended you wear a wetsuit especially if you are a novice open water swimmer or not accustom to swimming in cold water.
• NOTE- Swim tow floats are compulsory if you swim without a wetsuit on.
• You must check in with the open water organiser on arrival and check out directly after exciting the water.
• Please swim in groups or pairs for you own safety.
• Please read safety notes on the notice board at every session.
• If you are new to our sessions please make the safety team aware of this so they can give you a safety briefing.
• Please be alert to the environment and other swimmers around you and make the organisers aware of any concerns you may have or if you see other swimmers in distress.
• It is your responsibility to check the organiser has your emergency contact details.
• Under 14s must swim with an adult at all times. 14-18 year olds can swim on their own providing they are experienced open swim with one of our safety team.
• Back stroke is not permitted at any time during the session.

Please do not come to our swim sessions if you are symptomatic of Covid-19, living in a household with Covid -19 infection OR if you are classified as extremely vulnerable on health grounds.