Open Water Swimming

Make a splash (no matter the weather) at Lee Valley White Water Centre. Enjoy a refreshing swim with top of the range facilities at an iconic venue with accessible changing rooms, showers as well as our cosy cafes. Warm up in the winter months at the Brew Street Kitchen and Bar or make the most of the summer sun at the Tavener on The Terrace.

Book today

Before you swim

Sessions are available for swimmers of all abilities and you can pre book up to seven days in advance, making it easy for members and non members alike!

To secure your slot and avoid disappointment, book your swim session via the Lee Valley White Water Centre page on the Better app or online here.

Please note, all swimmers are required to wear a bright coloured swim hat (excluding black) and junior swimmers are required to wear a green hat. We recommend swimmers wear a wetsuit. If you're not wearing a wetsuit then you’re required to wear a tow float which are available to purchase at reception along with swimming hats and where wetsuits are also available to hire.

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

Frequently asked questions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.