Netherton Open Water Swimming (Dudley)

VERSION JULY 2023
NEW DISCLAIMER AND RULES TO BE AGREED TO BEFORE SWIMMING AT THE RESERVVOIR.

Netherton Open Water Swimming Disclaimer:
https://form.jotform.com/Warleywaspstriathlon/NethertonRegistrationDisclaimer
ALL BOOKINGS NON-REFUNDABLE & NON-TRANSFERRABLE
Our summer season usually starts May and ends September, Winter is October to April
Our Monday evening sessions will finish towards the end of September and then we will continue to be open every Saturday morning through winter with time depending on lighting conditions.
All swimmers must wear their NOWCA Safety Wristband every time they swim.
It's your personal profile on your wrist, you use it to scan yourself in to and out of the water. Your wristband can be used at all the NOWCA safety accredited lakes and venues all over the country.
As operators, we will know who and how many swimmers are in the water, at any time. This is important for managing your swim safety.
For you as a swimmer, wearing your NOWCA Safety Wristband will speed your entry into the water plus record your swim time and distance (you must provide the distance or lap information), just like wearing a chip at a triathlon.
If you are new to NOWCA and don't have a NOWCA band, please sign up online before your first swim at www.nowca.org and REGISTER, complete the form, citing our venue name and you will be able to collect your wristband from us ready for your first swim!
(Enter DY2 0HL into SatNav though as the postal code sends you to Saltwells car park and there is no access to the club).
Swims are bookable on Actio, prices subject to change & other session types will be available to choose from on the app.
When booking through Actio - you will be bound by the terms and rules as set out above and agree to the disclaimer below.
We have a 400m loop extended to 600m & 750m - dependent on the availability of water safety team on Netherton Reservoir.
ALL BOOKINGS NON-REFUNDABLE & NON TRANSFERRABLE

Mondays 6pm till 8pm (Variations occur - please check Actio & Facebook)
Thursdays 6pm till 8pm (Variations occur - please check Actio & Facebook) last swimmer to be out 7.45pm and off site by 8pm.
Saturdays 7am - 9am (last swimmer out by 8.45am and off site by 9am)

Please note, entry may be refused if you decide to rock up late, loiter about and spend too much time yaking! We all have homes to go to!

SITE RULES:
Before you sign up to NOWCA, please be aware that you must be able to swim at least 200m in a pool comfortably BEFORE trying open water swimming.

New swimmers are more than welcome to swim however you will be given a limited area close to the jetty until the safety crew are happy for you to carry on and swim the course. This could be spread over a few sessions. This is for your safety. Should the water temperature be cold then you will be given a time limit. We would recommend booking an induction course for your first swim, this includes a safety briefing, 121 time with a qualified lifeguard and coach and use of a towfloat if required.
Site Rules are set by the Centre & the Lake Management Crew, anyone found not conforming will be asked to leave immediately.

Numbers booked on a session will determine whether (a) the session is cancelled in its entirety, (b) the session will close earlier than expected. Any changes will be communicated via the Facebook pages.

 Do not use the Disabled Changing Facilities unless you need them - anyone found mis-using may be asked to leave
 Children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times whether it is Lake side or inside the Clubhouse. If you wish to swim, you will not be able to enter the water until appropriate adult supervision is obtained. The Lake Crew cannot be held responsible for their care.
 Children must be kept under control and away from the waters edge
 Children 8-14 years may swim with a full paying adult on a ratio of 1:1
 Children 8-14 years must have/wear a NOWCA Safety Band at all times
 Children 8-14 years must wear a Safety Tow Float
 Adults new to open water swimming must also wear a Safety Tow Float
 Adults swimming Skins must wear a Safety Tow Float.
 Every Swimmer must wear a brightly coloured Swim Hat
 Every Swimmer MUST sign in & out of the water using their NOWCA Band
 Every Swimmer MUST swim on their front, Back Stroke is an indication that you require assistance from the safety crew.
 Please do not ask for credit as refusal may offend
 Only Crew Members are allowed to assist you with scanning in/out - DO NOT HELP YOURSELF
 Where possible, please car share to reduce congestion on the car park. Alternative street parking is available at Copse Road, DY2 0AL - ALL PARKING IS AT YOUR OWN RISK
 All swimmers must sign a Disclaimer which can be found here: https://form.jotform.com/Warleywaspstriathlon/NethertonRegistrationDisclaimer
 The lake is run by dedicated people and volunteers - and at times we need a break or could possibly be racing. Any changes to lake opening times/days will be communicated via the Facebook Pages. We are not expected to communicate this by other means however every attempt will be made to give you advanced warning.
 We have the Coffee Shop attend each week who is stocked with plenty choice of hot and cold drinks and food, bring extra pennies and/or cards for your purchase.
 Please remember your safety is paramount and you must listen and obey the Lake Crew at all times.
 Members who have grievances with any member of the crew must bring it to the Management attention.
 Members who choose to ignore the safety crew in any way, risk putting themselves and others in Danger. This will not be tolerated and members will be asked to leave and forfeit their swim.
 Any act of aggression, violent behaviour, harassment, bribery etc towards Lake Crew or any swim member will not be tolerated. Members will be asked to leave, their swim forfeited and Membership cancelled.
 Dogs are welcome on site but must be kept on a lead at all times.
 The clubhouse is for everyone’s use however, certain rules apply:
 The parquet flooring and carpets MUST NOT get wet, this means no wet swimmers, no wetsuits and no using the clubhouse when raining outside (due to wet feet or clothing)
 If the Clubhouse is hired out via The Water Sports Centre then we will not allow entry to preserve the cleaning
 The soft furnishings must not be taken outside.
 PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF RESIDENT GATES OR REAR GATES OF THE COMPOUND.
 Swimmers are requested to park in the car park rather than in the complex please.
There are changing facilities, including disabled wet room, hot showers and free parking to the rear of the complex.
ALL BOOKINGS NON-REFUNDABLE & NON TRANSFERRABLE
Get in touch; email: nethertonows@gmail.com
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