Dinton - new [OLD] - LoveOpenWater Swimming

Temperature

WATER TEMP..

Opening Hours

Click above for
session times

Address

Davis St
Sandford Lane, Hurst,
Wokingham,
Berkshire
RG100TH

LOVE OPEN WATER NO LONGER OPERATE OPEN WATER SWIMMING AT DPCP. PLEASE CONTACT THE DPCP TEAM DIRECTLY IF YOU HAVE A SWIMMING ENQUIRY.

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FACILITIES

The Dinton Activity Centre has changing rooms and toilets available for swimmers, located next to the swimmer area.

You can leave your belongings lakeside near the Love Open Water gazebo where a member of staff will be on duty. This is located nearby the public footpath that traverses the lake so please do not leave any valuables in your bag as we can not take any responsibility for items lost or stolen.

Access to the swim area is via a ramp into the water. This is a graveled area so you may wish to bring flip-flops / slides and leave them by the access ramp.

We have many swimmers with different access requirements who swim with us. If you are unsure if the venue is suitable for your needs, we would advise visiting the site and talking to our venue staff to discuss your access needs.

THE SWIM

Please make sure you arrive in plenty of time to change and check-in for your swim at the registration desk which is located next to the lake under the Love Open Water gazebo. New NOWCA members will be able to collect their band on their first visit.

Your swimming slot is your entry time to the water. This helps us safely manage numbers. Your swimming time is open ended up until closing time minus 5 minutes. If you wish to swim longer than the last timeslot, you should book an earlier time in the session.

Our venue operates with a 400m loop and a 750m loop. Loops available are dependent on session times and weather conditions and will be determined by the Venue/Duty Manager at the beginning of the session to ensure swimmer safety. Make sure you ask which loops are operating when you check-in for your swim and familiarize yourself with the course and direction, before you enter the water.

If you wish to swim at Dinton PCP, please download the ACTiO app, set up and pay for your NOWCA membership (£15/year) and then select Dinton PCO to book your swim (£6.00/swim)

You can also book swims using the desktop version of ACTiO

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.

We do not have wetsuits to hire at this venue. NOWCA members can access discounts for wetsuits on NOWCA Perks. If you wish to hire instead, look for Tri Wetsuit Hire in the perks list.

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 will be asked to wear a tow float and we have a limited amount onsite 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.

We have a number of swimming items available to purchase onsite, including caps, goggles and anti-fog spray.

For more information, see our HELP page

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 (October-March), 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.

Water testing is very important to us and is tested regularly at this venue.

FOOD & DRINK

The Coffee Deck is located right next to the swimming area and offers a range of hot snacks, sharing planks, cakes and coffee. Please visit their website for opening times.

Other options in the park

LOCATION

Look for the Love Open Water gazebo situated between the activity centre and the lake.

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There is Pay & Display parking (RingGo Location 23817) available near the swim area, accessible from Sandford Lane.

For other parking & public transport information please visit the park website

Become a member

Booking and costs

Dinton PCP 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

DINTON PASTURES COUNTRY PARK