Open Water Swimming
Swimming at Stanwick Lakes
A beautiful location for Organised Open Water Swimming in Northamptonshire.
With over a dozen lakes and beautiful scenery, Stanwick Lakes is a haven for people and wildlife alike. As a nature reserve, and a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), there are strict restrictions on the uses of our lakes. However, with approval from Natural England, we are delighted to be able to offer our third season of open water swimming sessions at Stanwick Lakes in 2025!
There are many benefits associated with open water swimming including improved sleep and circulation, increased metabolism, boosted immune system and a happier mood! There are nine confirmed dates running through the 2025 summer season, with sessions being held on Friday evenings. What better way to start your weekend? All of our sessions are attended by lifeguards and a fantastic on-water support team.
We ask that all swimmers understand the following and accept the following statement during the booking process:
Participant Pledge:
Participating in open water swimming requires fitness and skill. I confirm that I have done sufficient training to ensure that I am fit enough to cope with the demands of open water swimming and that my technical skills are adequate for the activity. I accept that taking part is by its nature hazardous and contains certain inherent risks and I accept that I owe a significant duty of care to Rockingham Forest Trust and its organising partner(s) as well as to other swimmers, to act responsibly and follow all safety instructions. This includes but is not limited to:
– Only entering the water when given the all clear to do so by the session leader
– Wearing a brightly coloured swim hat at all times when in the water
– Wearing a tow float
– Following the prescribed swim course
– Complying with the instruction to exit the water at the end of my current lap in the event of a course evacuation or the end of the session (signalled by an air horn)
– Being aware of other swimmers and summoning assistance if I notice a swimmer in difficulty.
I confirm that I, or those I book on behalf of, meet the age requirements set out by Rockingham Forest Trust and its organising partner(s).
I confirm that I, or those I book on behalf of, meet the age requirements set out by Rockingham Forest Trust and its organising partner(s).
I accept that in the event of my requiring medical attention, Rockingham Forest Trust (RFT) and its organising partner(s) take no responsibility for the treatment provided for any unreported existing condition which increases the risk of a medical emergency. I acknowledge that RFT has relied on this statement (in its entirety) in accepting my participation in the open water sessions at Stanwick Lakes and that if I was unable or unwilling to agree to all the matters set out above in this statement of responsibility RFT would not allow me to participate. All statements of fact are true.
There are circumstances when it may not be possible to go ahead with a swim session. We hope we can communicate arrangements in good time, but sometimes it might be last minute, as safety checks for open water swimming are always ongoing, whether it is due to water testing, weather conditions or volunteer numbers. We will do everything we can to get the latest news to you as soon as possible.
Open Water Sessions at Stanwick Lakes:
Sessions must be booked in advance.
2025 Dates:
23rd May
6th June
20th June
4th July
18th July
1st August
15th August
29th August
12th September (Celebratory end of season night swim!)
Timings
Swim Session 1: 5.45pm – 6.45pm
Swim Session 2: 6.45pm – 7.45pm
Prices:
Single Swim (1hr) – £5.50
Long (double sessions) Swim (2hr) – £9
The car park stays open until 8.15pm.
Parking charges apply – paid onsite.
Kit Requirements:
Tow float policy:
All swimmers must use a tow float to improve visibility and safety in the water. There are a limited number of tow floats available to hire at a cost of £5 per session. Please reserve one by emailing events@rftrust.org.uk. Payment for the tow float can be made on the night by cash or card at The Walker’s Rest prior to the session. Please obtain a receipt for proof of payment in order to collect a tow float prior to the session starting.
Swim Hats:
A brightly coloured swim hat MUST be worn by all swimmers. Swimmers are advised it is best to have more than one option as varying light conditions make different colours easier/harder to be seen by the safety team. This may result in a hat being accepted one week and a swimmer asked to change it another week, this is for the swimmer’s safety. Swimmers are best to avoid blues and white.
Wetsuits:
The use of wetsuits is advisable for all swimmers when temperatures are between 11°C – 14°C. If the temperature is above 14°C, then wetsuits are optional.
Please note: There is NO wetsuit rental at Stanwick Lakes.
Important:
Booking is essential.
Drop-in swimmers will not be permitted. On arrival, please check-in with the Swim Director who will be at the lake entrance point (follow the signage to the entrance point).
Open water swimming at Stanwick Lakes is legally permissible during our organised sessions ONLY.
Due to the nature reserve being a SSSI, wild swimming is prohibited anywhere else on site, and outside of Open Water Swimming session times.
FAQs
What is the minimum age for organised open water swimming at Stanwick Lakes
No swimmers under 12 years old are permitted to swim. This may be reviewed for future seasons.
12 – 16 Years participation:
- Is by prior arrangement with the Swim Director. Please email events@rftrust.org.uk to gain permission.
- There must be a responsible adult aged 18 with the consent of the parent/legal guardian on site who must be appropriately positioned to be constantly watching the young person in the water.
- Wetsuits and brightly coloured swim cap are compulsory.
16 – 18 Years participation is subject to having written permission from parent/legal guardian.
What kit do I need?
Wetsuits, swim hats and tow float policy
There is NO wetsuit rental.
A towfloat must be warn at all times. There are a limited number of towfloats available for hire at a cost of £5 per session. Please reserve one by emailing events@rftrust.org.uk. Payment for the tow float can be made on the night by cash or card at The Walker’s Rest prior to the session. Please obtain a receipt for proof of payment in order to collect a tow float prior to the session starting.
Swim Hats – A brightly coloured swim hat MUST be worn by ALL swimmers. Swimmers are advised it is best to have more than one option as varying light conditions make different colours easier/harder to be seen by the safety team. This may result in a hat being accepted one week and a swimmer being asked to change it another week. This is for the swimmer’s safety. Swimmers are best to avoid blues and white.
Wetsuits – The use of wetsuits is advisable for all swimmers when temperatures are between 11°C – 14°C. If the temperature is above 14°C, then wetsuits are optional.
Can I bring my dog?
Whilst on-lead dogs are welcomed at Stanwick Lakes, we do not allow dogs to swim in the lake with swimmers. Any swimmers bringing dogs with them must ensure they are suitably looked after whilst the swimmer is in the water. This is the swimmer’s responsibility.
What facilities are available during Open Water Swimming sessions?
The Walker’s Rest outdoor refreshment kiosk and outside toilet facilities will be open until 8pm.
The car park will be open until 8.15pm.
How much are car parking charges?
Car parking charges will apply – please see here for the charges.
You may consider becoming members at Stanwick Lakes. This provides year-round, unlimited parking for two registration plates at a cost of £48.00 and all income generated by this scheme goes towards the management and upkeep of Stanwick Lakes.
The car park will remain open until 8.15pm when open water swimming sessions are running.
What is the cancellation policy?
We’re unable to offer refunds for cancellations as standard, but we may be able to reallocate your place. If you need to cancel, please contact the events team at events@rftrust.org.uk, and we will make every effort to transfer your place to another swimmer.
If we are able to fill your place, we may be able to issue a refund at our discretion.
Please note: cancellations cannot be accepted within 48 hours of the swim, and NO REFUNDS will be issued during this period.
To book:
Open Water Swimming sessions must be pre-booked.
When booking, you agree to the Participant Disclaimer.