Dinton - Updated [OLD] - LoveOpenWater Swimming

Temperature

WATER TEMP..

Opening Hours

Click above for
session times

Address

Sandford Lane
Hurst
Wokingham

RG10 0SU

Swimmer Information

FACILITIES

Swimmers will have access to changing & toilet facilities in the Dinton Activity Centre which sits just behind the swimming area at the lake.

There is a Love Open Water registration gazebo which will be located lakeside during session times. This is where you must check in and out for your swim (and collect your wristband if you don’t have one yet).

You will be able to leave your belongings beside the gazebo though please ensure that you don’t leave any valuables inside your bags as we cannot take responsibility for any items lost or stolen.

Changing Robes are popular with the open water community because it keeps you warm after your swim, helps to shield you from the wind and rain, and provides privacy. NOWCA members have access to NOWCA Perks where you can find discounts should you be looking for an early birthday present!

THE SWIM

Please make sure you arrive in plenty of time to change and collect your band at the registration tent/ check in the water if you already have your band.

Your swimming slot is your entry time to the lake. This helps us safely manage numbers. Your swimming time is open ended up until closing time with swimmers notified when there is 15mins of time left in the water.

Course sizes change throughout the year depending on weather conditions and water temperatures. Make sure you double check with the Venue Manager when you arrive to ensure you know which way to swim.

If you are unsure how to ‘sight’ in the water, we suggest joining one of our coaching courses to learn how to swim in a straight line in open water as well as other skills such as buoy turning, safe entry and deep water starts.

EQUIPMENT

Our venues are not wetsuit compulsory, however swimmers should be aware that the Royal Life Saving Society recommend swimmers wear wetsuits in water that is under 15°C.

All swimmers must have a valid NOWCA membership which comes with the NOWCA safety wristband. This 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.

We ask that all swimmers wear a brightly coloured hat in the water. This can either be a swimming cap or a warm hat/ headband in order to both provide visibility to other swimmers and safety staff as well as helping retain vital core heat to prevent risk of hypothermia.

First time swimmers at the venue will be asked to wear a tow float which are available on site to borrow. These orange floats have a strap that clips round the waist. The orange inflatable float then bobs along behind the swimmer for added visibility and as something to hold on to should the swimmer start to feel uncomfortable in the water or experience cramp.

Should you wish to purchase a wetsuit, our staff can help advise the right type for your requirements. You can also visit NOWCA Perks where you can get exclusive discounts for wetsuits and swim kit.

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SAFETY

Those swimming outdoors for the first time at a venue of varying depth such of this one, should already have pool swimming experience including confidence in deep water. Our benchmark is the ability to swim 400m unaided.

Our lifeguards are RLSS Open Water trained, meaning their experience and skill is specific to an open water environment. As well as basic water rescue skills, they are also knowledgeable in areas such as cold water shock and hypothermia.

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

Love Open Water venues operate using the NOWCA safety system. All swimmers must have a valid NOWCA membership which comes with the 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.

During the winter season, it is compulsory for all swimmers to complete a Cold Water Induction available via the NOWCA Teachables platform. Members also get 70% off at NOWCA Perks.

FOOD & DRINK

We suggest bringing a cold or warm drink with you (depending on the weather!) to help with post-swim body temperature regulation.

There is a cafe in the Dinton Activity Centre as well as other options onsite. For further information, visit the park website

https://www.dinton-pastures.co.uk/plan-your-visit/eating-and-drinking-at-dinton/

LOCATION

Sandford Lane, Hurst

Wokingham RG10 0SU

Parking: There is Pay & Display parking (RingGo Location 23817) available near the swim area, accessible from Sandford Lane. Follow the path around to the front of the activity centre where you will see the Love Open Water gazebo.

The Love Open Water gazebo location can be found on what3words (tummy.bumpy.listed)

For further information on parking and transport, visit the park website

https://www.dinton-pastures.co.uk/plan-your-visit/parking-and-location/

Become a member

Booking and costs

Dinton on Facebook

Not only is the venue outstanding at the Royal Docks the feeling of inclusion by all the staff is a huge factor in my own personal enjoyment of outdoor swimming. The fun aspect is also a big factor in why I continue to return not to mention the feeling of being safe in the water.- Nick Stagg - London

Love Open Water at Royal Docks.... a place i find calm amongst all the chaos. Lovely clean water within the historic docks. Urban swimming at it's best. All the staff are wonderful. So friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging. Keeping us safe in ALL weathers.- Karan Nightingale - London