2026 Open To All - Open Water Swimming Sessions  

Manvers Water Quality (30/8/26)

Following our earlier updates regarding blue-green algae at Manvers Lake, we wanted to let you know that we have now taken the decision to close the lake to all water-based activities for one week.

Over the last 24 hours, there has been visible evidence of a blue-green algae bloom. Although our regular monthly water-quality monitoring has continued to return its usual excellent results, the visible presence of the algae means we believe a temporary closure is the appropriate course of action.

The closure will apply to all water-based activities, including swimming, paddlesports, dragon boating, sailing, windsurfing, model boating and fishing.

We are also asking all dog walkers to keep dogs out of the lake and away from any visible algae or scum around the water’s edge. Dogs should be kept under close control when walking around the lake and should not be allowed to drink from the lake.

We appreciate that closing the lake will be disappointing and will affect many of our members. However, given the changing situation, we feel that a seven-day closure gives us an appropriate period to monitor the lake, assess conditions and determine the safest way forward.

We will continue to inspect and monitor the lake throughout the week and will provide members with a further update before any decision is made to reopen the water.

The site and café will remain open; it is access to the water and water-based activities that are suspended.

Thank you, as always, for your patience, understanding and support while we manage this situation.

Open to All - Open Water swimming session (Lifeguarded Session)

Signed Off Members should use the Summer Season booking form please. 

The times advertised are strict in the water times so please ensure you are ready to swim and be briefed at the advertised start time.

1. These sessions are aimed at anyone that wants to try Open Water Swimming.
2. They are for Non-Members wanting to try Open water swimming or Existing Members who are not Signed off.
3. These sessions are lifeguarded and ideal for anyone who is new to Open water swimming.
4. These session are not coached.
5. Junior swimmers must be 8 years old and accompanied in the water by a parent or guardian (talk to swim leaders for information about dispensation).
6. Wetsuits are advised for anyone booking onto these sessions as a Non-Member or Non-signed off member - available to hire if required.
7. If you are using a surf wetsuit please check it will float you, a 2mm swim wetsuit is equivalent to a 3+mm surf suit for buoyancy. If you are wearing a thin surf suit <2mm you may be asked to swim with a tow float or not be allowed to swim. Wetsuits should fit like a second skin to work properly.
8. If swimming in skins (no wetsuit) a tow-float must be used
9. Bring warm-up gear including a change of clothes.
10. The length of the session will vary subject to water temperature and weather conditions, but generally they are about an hour.
11. Changing Rooms are available with limited capacity - obtain code from swim leader.
12. Toilets will be open for you to use, not to be used for changing.

 A mandatory briefing will be delivered at the start of the session, however details are included with your booking information. 

Click HERE if you wish to book a wet-suit for a Wednesday pm or Saturday am swim

Please ensure medical information and ICE details are up to date on your profile before attending a swim.

Any questions please email prior to your session.

If you choose to become a member and feel confident in open water swimming you can book onto one of the Swim Sign-Off assessment places. After attendance at a Sign-off it will allow access to the other non-lifeguarded sessions. Please ask about restrictions for junior assessments.

Please ensure that if you are swimming in other locations that your swimming kit is Clean before entering the lake; this is to ensure Bio-safety in the lake.

Location: Manvers Lake

Contact: