Open Water Swimming
VO2 Max open water swimming training at QE2 lake, Woodhorn, on Thursday evenings from 6pm - 7.30pm, commencing Thursday 1st May until Thursday 17th July 2025.
All swimmers must pre-register online here: Open Water Swim Training Pre-registration.
Sign in from 5.45pm at the VO2 desk; there is a simple procedure for signing in and out after swimming. A £4.00 fee is payable on the night.
Please do not enter the water or leave without signing in and out, as this may lead to un-necessary emergency action.
Who can take part?
Anyone from Beginners, recreational swimmers, triathletes and anyone wishing to improve their open water swimming
Training is of mixed ability with various groups forming at the session. session lead swim around the marked swim course and there is also a longer distance group for those training for the long distance swims.
Some swimmers prefer to do their own session, it’s up to you, just enjoy the open water swimming experience. If you are a new to open water swimming, we recommend that you join in our session lead swim around the swim course.
For children aged 15 or under on 31st December, we must have written parental consent and there must be a nominated adult swimmer who will be directly responsible for their wellbeing in the water (2 children max per adult). We must also insist that the children and the responsible adult swim together following the open water swimming guidelines.
Please make sure you pre-register online. Open Water Swim Training Pre-registration.
Safety and Rules
Training is at your own risk and you are responsible for your own safety. However, we do set guidelines for everyone to follow, which you should download from our website and read.
We can swim in the lake on Thursdays during the dates above. NO SWIMMING IS ALLOWED AT THE QE2 LAKE AT ANY OTHER TIMES - please respect this condition.
Wetsuits are Mandatory.
Need a Wetsuit?
Wetsuits are mandatory for our open water swimming sessions, and if you plan to enter any open water triathlons or challenge swims in the UK, you'll probably find you need a suit. It's a rare UK event where the water is warm enough for wetsuits to be unnecessary!
If you are considering buying or Hiring a Wetsuit, please visit our Swim Partner, Zone 3. We can highly recommend their range of wetsuits and accessories.