Open Water Swimming at field head farm staffordshire

We are excited to launch Open Water Swimming from Saturday 26 th April 2025 as a NOWCA (National Open Water Coaching Association) affiliated venue operating in line with their safety standards and requirements.

We work to the RLSS Promotion, Recognition, Rescue framework, the promotion of swim safety and swimmer education, recognition and subsequent reduction of risk and finally when required, safe efficient rescue.

All sessions are supervised by a Qualified Open Water Lifeguard as it matters to us that you are SAFE and ENJOY your swim.

So what do you need to know…

All swimmers will need to become NOWCA member for £15 a year:

To register with NOWCA click here.

This will provide you with a NOWCA safety wristband which is used to scan you in and out of the water. If you are a new NOWCA member, you will be able to collect this when you come to your first swim.

This band also gives us access to all the vital information we will need should you get into trouble in the water, saving much needed time. You must pre-book all your swims and courses using the NOWCA app or desktop version of  ACTiO.

Swims are £6 for a 60 minute session and 20 swimmers per session.

Our lake is naturally spring fed and is not treated in any way, water quality is tested monthly and water
temperature always displayed. We also have a De-fib and First Aid kit on site and staff are in communication at all times via two way radios.

Equipment checklist

• Have, and use, an attached safety Tow float – firstly for visibility but this can also be used to hold on to should you get cramp or begin to feel unwell
• Wear a colourful hat – for visibility purposes as well as warmth in colder months, caps, bobble or swim hats welcome
• Wetsuits are not compulsory, however swimmers should be aware that the Royal Life Saving Society recommend swimmers wear wetsuits in water that is under 15°C
• Be able to swim confidently for 100m
• Be physically and mentally fit and have no pre-existing medical conditions that would affect you swimming in open water.

Children aged 12 – 16

We welcome children and they will also need to be registered with the NOWCA.

To swim – Water temperature must be above 18 degrees, a wetsuit and tow float must be worn and they must be accompanied by an adult in the water, spectating from the side is not enough.

Your Swim

Whilst we have changing facilities and toilets onsite,  we recommend coming swim-ready and making sure you have plenty of warm clothes to change into after your swim.

Access to the swimming area is either via a sloping beach or our jetty, it’s up to you and there is also plenty of space for you to acclimatise as you enter the water without feeling rushed by other swimmers.

Our circuit is 200m and you can record the distance you have swam on the app when you sign out with your wristband.

As a NOWCA member, you will have access to the ‘NOWCA Wild’ app, which is packed with useful info and wild swimming locations but will also be the home for our Operations chat about our sessions ie, water temp, conditions, things we need you to know on the day of your swim.

Refreshments will be available after your swim and can be enjoyed in our communal space or by the lake.

Beginners

We highly recommend taking part in Nowca’s Cold water induction course to give you a greater understanding of Cold water swimming and its effects. We will also be running courses throughout the season.

We are keen to welcome swimmers with varying accessibility needs although this may develop over time, if you are unsure if the venue is suitable for your needs, please visit us first and chat through any ways we can support you.

Private Hire

The lake can be hired privately for your group for a lifeguarded session. Prices begin at £60 for up to 10 people with extra swimmers at £6 per person. Contact us to book. Note; all your swimmers will need to be NOWCA members!

dogs

Whilst we may introduce, ‘Bring your hound for a swim’ sessions in the future for now we think we have enough on with just swimmers so please leave your pets at home.