swimming

Swim Captains

While you are here, we will mention pool lane etiquette

As people of different abilities will be using the pool – please respect their right to enjoy their swim (and thus in turn they should hopefully respect yours!)

• Rinse yourself off at the pool side shower when you first arrive

• If there are fast, medium and slow lanes at the pool, please try to choose the right one for you by watching the other swimmers in the lanes first (If someone taps your foot or if you notice someone is coming up behind you who is faster, wait at the end of the pool to let them pass)

• Follow directional signs

• Be considerate of other people in the lane if your workout includes intervals

• Try and leave 5 metres/5 seconds between yourself and another swimmer

• Butterfly and breaststroke are best avoided when the lanes are busy (If you change to a slower stroke, think about moving lanes)

• Swim toys such as fins and hand paddles are great to include in your training but are permitted as the discretion of the lifeguard and based on capacity

• When resting keep yourself to the edge of the lane rather than the middle, allowing others to turn at the wall

Cold water swimming top tips

We swim at Brockwell Lido all year round; the water is lovely and warm in the summer but gets very cold over the winter. Cold water swimming is growing in popularity and can boost your immune system, improve circulation, reduce stress and activate endorphins, leaving you feeling like a superhero all day long. However, it doesn't come without its risks. It's not about how far you can swim, if you're not acclimatised to cold water you shouldn't stay in the water for very long at all, at first. Here are some guidelines and links that should help you stay safe when swimming in cold water.

ACCLIMATISATION: If you're able to, it's a good idea to start your cold-water swimming adventures in the early autumn/late summer, when the water is still warm-ish. Your body will get used to the cold as the temperature drops. It's best to keep swimming at least once a week, the more you swim the longer you will be able to stay in the water.

ENTRY AND BREATHING: It's not advisable to jump or dive into cold water, this can lead to cold water shock which can affect your breathing and movement. When you first get in the water try and keep your breathing as deep, slow and steady as you can - this will help you acclimatise to the water.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS: As the temperature drops, decrease the amount of time you spend in the water. In winter, just a few minutes in the water is often enough. Your body will get used to the cold water fairly quickly when you immerse yourself in it and it will start to feel pleasant. However, if you stay in for too long, you start to become cold again, then your body can start sending signals of elation and warmth that aren't really there - you should get out before this happens. This is when you are putting yourself at risk of getting hypothermia. If in doubt, speak to one of the lifeguards at the pool.

AFTER SWIMMING: Do not have a hot shower straight after coming out the cold water, you need to warm yourself up slowly - hot showers means cooled blood is returning to your core faster and can make you feel dizzy and faint - known as the 'afterdrop'. Wrap yourself up warm - thick socks, coat, gloves, big woolly hat and get yourself a hot drink. 

ENJOY IT: Cold water swimming really does give you a massive buzz so come and join us on Saturday mornings!

Recommended kit list for cold water swimming: 

• Swimwear and goggles.

• Wetsuit (optional)

• Neoprene gloves and booties (these are great to have as they can make a huge difference to how enjoyable your cold-water swim is, your extremities feel the cold the most)

• Neoprene hat (or double swim caps also works)

• Towel (dry robes are great!)

• Flip flops (it's surprising how cold your feet can get when walking from the pool to the changing rooms!)

• Lots of warm layers for afterwards

• Flask of hot drink and something sugary to eat (or join us for a hot drink and some cake straight after the lido session)

Have a look at our Instagram, become a member and join our WhatsApp swim group or keep your eye on the Windrush forum for all our swimming activities – people will often write if they are going to a different pool so others can join them. If you like baking, our Saturday morning lido swim's baking sheet is here, just pop your name down! 

Happy swimming!