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2026 Open To All - Open Water Swimming Sessions
Update 11/9/2026
A further update regarding the blue-green algae at Manvers Lake.
As part of the measures we are taking to manage the situation, we have now added the blue dye to the lake and placed bales of barley straw in the water.
We are pleased to report that we have seen no further visible blooms over the last few days, which is encouraging.
Two sets of water samples have now been sent away for testing, and we hope to receive the results at the beginning of next week. Our Committee is meeting on Monday, when we will review the water sample report and consider the next steps. We will issue a further update to members following that meeting.
In the meantime, the lake will remain closed for all water-based activities. We appreciate that members are keen to get back on the water, but the safety and wellbeing of everyone using the lake must remain our priority, and we want to have the appropriate test results before making any decision to reopen.
Thank you to all our members for your continued patience, understanding and support. We are hopeful that the recent improvement continues and that we will have more positive news to share early next week.
Update 6/9/2026
Lake Closure Extended for a further week
Please see below a further update regarding the temporary closure of Manvers Lake due to the presence of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).
Over the past few days, we have been consulting with the Environment Agency and have now completed a comprehensive risk assessment to support our management of the issue and determine the safest course of action.
Following this we will be taking the following steps:
- Applying a natural blue dye to the lake, which will help suppress algae growth by reducing the amount of sunlight that penetrates through the water.
- Introducing barley straw bales into the lake. As the straw naturally breaks down, it produces compounds that can help limit algae growth over time.
- Undertaking weekly water testing at a number of locations around the lake to closely monitor water quality and the impact of the measures we are putting in place.
To allow these measures time to take effect and to continue monitoring conditions, we have made the decision to keep Manvers Lake closed for a further week.
We appreciate how disappointing this will be for members who are keen to get back on or in the water. However, the safety and wellbeing of our members is paramount, and we believe this is the most responsible approach while we monitor the impact of our actions.
Please Continue to Keep Dogs Out of the Water
The site and café will remain open; it is access to the water and water-based activities that are suspended.
Thank you once again for your patience, understanding and continued support. We are hopeful that the measures we are putting in place will have a positive impact and that we will be able to bring you more positive news next weekend.
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.
- These sessions are aimed at anyone that wants to try Open Water Swimming.
- They are for Non-Members wanting to try Open water swimming or Existing Members who are not Signed off.
- These sessions are lifeguarded and ideal for anyone who is new to Open water swimming.
- These session are not coached.
- 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).
- Wetsuits are advised for anyone booking onto these sessions as a Non-Member or Non-signed off member - available to hire if required.
- 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.
- If swimming in skins (no wetsuit) a tow-float must be used
- Bring warm-up gear including a change of clothes.
- The length of the session will vary subject to water temperature and weather conditions, but generally they are about an hour.
- Changing Rooms are available with limited capacity - obtain code from swim leader.
- 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.