About
Rutland Water Open Water Swimming is a popular choice for both professional and recreational swimmers as well as those wanting to engage in group coaching sessions.
Open water swimming at Rutland Water is only permitted during advertised group times through the swim season, which runs from May to September, plus specific events throughout the year.
Fully endorsed by Beyond Swim, Anglian Water work in partnership with Inspire2Tri to put on weekly swim sessions throughout the season, offering two different courses;
- 500m – for more confident swimmers
- 250m – for recreational swimmer
Who can swim?
Anyone over the age of 8 who can easily swim a distance of 250m are welcome to join the open water swimming sessions. However, anyone under the age of 16 and new to the session must be accompanied by an adult who will also need to be in the water.
There is parking, showers, changing rooms, toilets, lockers and a staffed bag and bike drop available. Wetsuit hire is also available in advance at the cost of £5 per suit.
When can I open water swim?
The swim season runs from May to September, but some swim events take place throughout the year. Small group swimming sessions coached by inspire2tri take place on Thursday evenings. Always extremely popular, to book and for more information, visit the Inspire2Tri website.
Swimmers will need to pay £8.00 for swim and £1.00 for parking. Booking is essential via the Inspire2Tri website.
Benefits of open water swimming:
1. Supercharge your immune system
Regularly immersing yourself in cold water increases your white blood count, thereby boosting your immune system.
2. Boost your mood
Taking a dip outdoors boosts dopamine and serotonin levels and stimulates the release of feel-good endorphins.
3. Relieve stress
Open water swimming triggers your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), promoting feelings of calm and even helping you sleep better.
4. Improve athletic performance
Extreme environmental conditions can help enhance performance out of the water.
5. Burn fat, fast
Cold water boosts your metabolism to keep you warm, burning more energy in the process.
6. Crush fatigue
Taking a dip in bracing water is a real wake-up call!
7. Provide pain relief
Muscle pain and niggling injuries can be ameliorated through cold water therapy.
Working in close partnership, Pacesetter Events, Inspire2tri CIC, SwimRutland Events and Anglian Water’s Rutland Watersports teams provide accessible, safe and enjoyable open water swimming events and triathlons. Safety is paramount in the running of all these events; strict procedures are in place to enable participants to compete with complete peace of mind.
