Open Water Swimming

Swim year round at Lee Valley White Water Centre, featuring top tier facilities, accessible changing rooms and cosy cafes. After your swim, warm up at Brew Street Kitchen and Bar or soak up the sun at Tavener on The Terrace in summer.

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Before you swim

Sessions are open to all swimmers and can be pre-booked up to seven days in advance.

Book your session via the Lee Valley White Water Centre page on the Better app or online to secure your spot.

Swimmers must wear a bright-colored swim hat (excluding black); juniors require a green hat. Wetsuits are recommended—if not wearing one, a tow float is mandatory. Both, along with swim hats, are available for purchase at reception, and wetsuits can also be hired.

Winter Sessions

Please note, we will have updated summer season Open Water Swimming times from 20 May 2025.

Monday              16:45 - 17:45,  18:00 - 19:00

Wednesday        12:30 - 13:30,  19:30 - 20:30 

Thursday            12:30 - 13:30

Friday                 12:30 - 13:30

Saturday            08:15 - 09:15

Lee Valley White Water Centre - Open Water Swimming - FAQ's

Do I need to complete an induction?

No induction is necessary, the open water swimming sessions are for swimmers of all abilities over the age of 14 years.

Do I need to book in advance?

We'd strongly recommend that you book your swim session in advance to avoid any disappointment. Open Water Swimming is available for set times only

What do I need to wear?

  • All swimmers are required to wear swim hats for their session.
  • These cannot be black or bright green, our reception team can assist with a suitable colour for you.
  • Bright green swim hats must be worn by junior swimmers.

If the water temperature falls below 11 degrees

  • Tow float is mandatory
  • We'd strongly recommend wearing a wetsuit

If the water temperature is above 11 degrees

  • If you're wearing a wetsuit then a tow float is not required
  • If you're not wearing a wetsuit then a tow float must be worn

If the water temperature is above 25 degrees

  • If you're wearing a wetsuit then a tow float is not required
  • We'd strongly recommend not wearing a wetsuit

Junior swimmers

  • Must wear a bright green swim hat
  • A tow float is mandatory 
  • Wetsuits are not mandory but recommended

Do I need to wear a swim hat?

  • Yes, you're required to wear a brightly coloured swim hat.
  • Swimmers under the age of 17 years must wear a bright green swim hat.
  • For swimmers with additional medical needs you can also wear a bright green swim hat to make yourself easily identifiable to the safety team.
  • Black swim hats are not permitted.

Who is classed as a junior swimmer?

  • Junior swimmers are those between the age of 14-17 years
  • Under the age of 14 years is not permitted

How long can I swim for?

  • Open Water Swimming session lasts for one hour