Introduction to Open Water Swimming
Find your confidence beyond the pool. Learn the essentials of open water swimming with our friendly coaches at Buckland Park Lake in Surrey.
Take your first strokes beyond the pool at The SHAC Lagoon at Buckland Park Lake, near Reigate. Build your open and cold water confidence with friendly coaching, practical advice and time in the water.
Select your preferred time.
What You’ll Learn
Choosing and using wetsuits, tow floats, swimming hats and goggles.
Warming up, acclimatisation and understanding cold water shock.
Identifying hazards and entering and leaving the water safely.
Looking after yourself after your swim.
Next steps for your open water swimming journey.
Our coaches are trained by the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA).
What to bring
A brightly coloured swimming hat — available to buy at the lake.
Your usual swimming goggles.
A towel and warm clothes, including a woolly hat.
A hot drink and snack.
A wetsuit - optional. We do have wetsuits available to use at The Shac.
Wetsuits in colder water - If you are aged 16 or over and choose to swim without a wetsuit when the water temperature is below 12°C, you must acknowledge the associated risks before entering the water.
Swim Pass
Buy 10 Swims and Enjoy 12
Make more time for the lake with our swim pass. Pay for 10 open water swims and get 2 free - that’s 12 sessions to enjoy at The Shac, Buckland Park Lake.
Gift Vouchers
Give an adventure at the shaC
Treat someone to fresh air, lake time and a little adventure. SHAC gift vouchers can be put towards swimming, paddleboarding or wellbeing sessions at Buckland Park Lake.