Field Head Farm

Our lake is open for Open Water Swimming ALL YEAR ROUND as a NOWCA (National Open Water Coaching Association) affiliated venue operating in line with their safety standards and requirements.

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

All sessions are supervised by a Qualified Open Water Lifeguard as it matters to us that you are SAFE and ENJOY your swim, all of our supporting water safety team are also first Aid trained.

To swim/dip in water of 12 degrees or below we highly recommend you attend one of our Cold Water Inductions or watch NOWCA's Cold water induction course to give you a greater understanding of Cold water swimming, its effects and how to look after yourself and others

Our lake is naturally spring fed and is not treated in any way, water quality is tested monthly and water temperature always displayed.

Field Head Farm is next to the family run farm, which enjoys stunning views of the open countryside which we hope will help you escape day to day life and let you enjoy your swim in peace.

Equipment checklist –
• Have, and use, an attached safety Tow float – firstly for visibility but this can also be used to hold on to should you get cramp or begin to feel unwell
• Ideally but not mandatory -Wear a colourful hat – for visibility purposes as well as warmth in colder months, caps, bobble or swim hats welcome
• Wetsuits are not compulsory, however swimmers should be aware that the Royal Life Saving Society recommend swimmers wear wetsuits in water that is under 15°C.
• Be able to swim confidently for 100m
• Be physically and mentally fit and have no pre-existing medical conditions that would affect you swimming in open water.

Children aged 12 – 16
We welcome children 12 years and over and they will also need to be registered with the NOWCA.
To swim - Water temperature must be above 18 degrees, a wetsuit and tow float must be worn and they must be accompanied by an adult in the water, spectating from the side is not enough

Your Swim
Whilst we have heated changing facilities and toilets onsite, we recommend coming swim-ready and making sure you have plenty of warm clothes to change into after your swim.
Access to the swimming area is either via a sloping beach or our jetty, it’s up to you and there is also plenty of space for you to acclimatise as you enter the water without feeling rushed by other swimmers.
Our circuit is 200m and you can record the distance you have swam on the app when you sign out with your wristband.

As a NOWCA member, you will have access to the ‘NOWCA Wild’ app, which is packed with useful info and wild swimming locations but will also be the home for our Operations chat about our sessions ie, water temp, conditions, things we need you to know on the day of your swim

Refreshments will be available after your swim and can be enjoyed in our communal space or by the lake.
Beginners

We are keen to welcome swimmers with varying accessibility needs although this may develop over time, if you are unsure if the venue is suitable for your needs, please visit us first and chat through any ways we can support you.

Private Hire
The lake can be hired privately for your group for a lifeguarded session. Prices begin at £60 for up to 10 people with extra swimmers at £6 per person. Contact us to book. Note; all your swimmers will need to be NOWCA members!

DOGS
Our priorities are our swimmers and it will really helpful to us if you leave your pets at home please.

We have learned so much about running an OWS venue and are continuing to do so, the safety and enjoyment of our swimmers is paramount to us and so decisions about health and safety are made solely with this focus in mind.

We look forward to welcoming you, Anna and Mick xx