New venue - Leeds - LoveOpenWater Swimming

Temperature

WATER TEMP..

Opening Hours

Click above for
session times

Address

Leeds Dock

The Blvd, Leeds LS10 1PZ

Swimmer Information

FACILITIES

There is no access to changing facilities so please keep this in mind when joining us. We suggest coming swim-ready and making sure you have warm clothes to change into after your swim.

Should you require the toilet during your visit, there are local businesses that will appreciate your custom in return for letting you spend a penny more!

There is a registration gazebo for shelter should the weather be unfavourable. Think of it as the half-way point between Wild Swimming and Pool Swimming!

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 dock. This helps us safely manage numbers and social distancing. Your swimming time is open ended up until closing time with swimmers notified when there is 15mins of time left in the water.

There is a 200m out and back course available in a secure rectangular route around the edge of the dock . This is a swimming site for ALL swimmers, so please be mindful of others so that everyone gets to enjoy this wonderful urban swim site!

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.

ALL SWIMMERS must use a tow float when they swim. 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 limited number of tow floats onsite for hire. We also have tow floats onsite to purchase.

We do not have wetsuits to hire at this venue. You can hire a wetsuit directly with our partners, Tri Wetsuit Hire. They offer a wide range of wetsuits and will help you find the right one for your purpose. There is short term and long term hire available. CLICK HERE to hire a wetsuit. * This is a sponsored link and we earn a small commission from Tri Wetsuit Hire from each hire.

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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 200m 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 (November – March), and when the water is below 15 degrees it is compulsory for all swimmers to complete a Cold Water Induction

FOOD & DRINK

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

The local North Star Coffee Shop opens from 8:00 if you would like to support this fantastic local business and indulge in their local produce and top drawer coffee.

SPECIAL OFFER: 20% off at Pizza Express Leeds Dock

When you visit Pizza Express Leeds Dock, make sure you show your NOWCA wristband to get the Hello Neighbour discount – 20% off, Sunday to Thursday’s. CLICK HERE to find out more.

LOCATION

Leeds Dock is steeped in history. It was constructed in 1800’s to service boats transporting commodities such as coal, along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Our Leeds Dock site is based out of the Love Open Water gazebo positioned at the East/ South side of the dock, just down from the Royal Armouries.

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For public transport – We are less than 10mins walk from Leeds Station and are serviced by the number 29 Bus.

The nearest carpark is located at Citi Parking on Armouries Dr, Leeds LS10 1LE. Please check their website for rates and details.

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Get updates about Leeds Dock

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

LEEDS DOCK