Open Water Swimming

Open Water Swimming at Hedgecourt Lake

Hedgecourt Lake is available for open water swimming from the Crawley Mariners Yacht Club clubhouse (north-west) end during the following times:

Weekdays before 9.30am
Weekends before 9.00am
Thursdays after 5.30pm

At these times, no sailing craft or rowing boats are allowed on the lake.

Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding are permitted on the lake during OWS sessions.

There are no shore spotters or safety kayaks.

Members of Crawley Mariners can swim at these times as part of their sailing membership or if you are only interested in swimming, sign up as an Open Water Swimming member (join here) of the club.

Open water swimmers should always assess the water, wind and other weather conditions before and during their swim and be aware of the wildfowl that have made the lake their home. Hedgecourt is a shallow, sheltered lake and we check the water quality at regular intervals using an industry-standard testing lab, posting the results on the noticeboard outside the clubhouse.

Swimmers must be 18 years and over and must be accompanied in the water by another competent swimmer. If you don’t already have a swim buddy,  contact our open water swimming co-ordinator from the contact page.  A child under the age of 18 may take part OWS sessions if accompanied by a parent or guardian who themselves are swimming with a buddy aged 18 or over.

A wetsuit is not essential swim attire at Hedgecourt, if you are more comfortable in a costume, but all swimmers must wear appropriate footwear and a high visibility hat. To reduce the risk of bio-contamination use the drench shower located close to the right-hand jetty before and after swimming. Access to the water is via a ladder at the end of the right-hand jetty. Swim in a clockwise direction around the buoys and do not enter the areas marked by white buoys which are designated for bank fishing and to protect nesting birds.

For more information choose the Open Water swimming co-ordinator from the contact page

Please read Open Water Swimming Policies and Documents