@ THE HUNTSPILL RIVER, SOMERSET
OPEN WATER SWIMMING
Join us for our open water swimming in Somerset at the stunning Huntspill River!
Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just starting out, our coached open water swim sessions offer the perfect blend of challenge and enjoyment in a breathtaking natural setting, all overseen by our qualified coaches.
Don't miss out— come down and embrace the thrill of open water swimming!
SESSIONS
APRIL - OCTOBER
Start and end dates are weather and condition-dependent.
New to the venue swimmers will be asked to demonstrate their competence before being allowed to swim on - safety is always first!
1:1 Open water swim coaching
Perfect for Novice & New Open Water swimmers
Open water swim coaching on a 1 to 1 basis with our BTF qualified coaches.
If you want to improve your open water swimming, feel more comfortable in the water, or want an introduction to open water swimming this is for you.
Group Intro to Open Water Swimming
Book a Group Swim Session for you and your friends to get started on your open water adventures!
Designed for those new to open water swimming OR those wishing to learn more about open water swimming. This is a gentle 2hr introduction to this growing sport.
Covering everything you will need to know, from wet suit fitting through to its removal, with a swim in between. This course has been developed over the years to get you into the water safely and help you enjoy the open water experience.
RIVERSIDE BRIEF
BEFORE SWIMMING
A bright coloured swim hat is mandatory
Swim floats are highly advised (the club has a number that can be borrowed)
This is a wet suit swim - unless designated otherwise by the session leader.
Skin swimmers are to notify the team.
Swimmers should aim to swim in pairs or as a group.
There will be buoys at 100/250/500/750m. Swimmers can swim the distance they wish within their capabilities and fitness.
At the end of swim (1km mark) there is a line of buoys 100m from the weir gate.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE THESE TO BE CROSSED.
Swim to the right of the buoys, both up and down the river.
You can swim all front strokes.
Swimming aids - fins, paddles, swim buoys etc are allowed.
YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SWIM ON YOUR BACK - this is for safety reasons.
If you see anyone in distress, waving or laying on their back we ask that you raise the alarm and, only if safe to do so, you offer assistance.
SAFETY DURING
SWIMMING
Remember it is not a race! Take your time. Do your water entry drills, get used to the temperature!
Swim within yourself.
If you feel ill at ease, stop! Settle yourself before attempting a short swim on to see how you are. If in doubt head back.
Get assistance from your swim buddy or group.
If you are still not comfortable, swim to the left bank on the way up and right bank on the way back. There are cow slips on the bank and water in the reeds is shallower.
If you are in trouble wave both arms then lay on your back.
If a kayak or SUP approaches you hold on to the nose of the boat and follow the instructions of the paddler.
IF YOU HEAR AN AIR HORN OR PERSISTANT WHISTLING. STOP!
Look around. See if you can assist. If not head back.
THERE IS A CRASH CARD, FIRST AID BAG AND AED AT THE ENTRY POINT
LOCATION
WHAT3WORDS: preoccupied.euphoric.cure
DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTH ON THE M5
From the South come off the M5 at Junction 23. Take the left.
At the Dunball Roundabout take the third exit heading on the A38 towards Pawlett and West Huntspill.
Follow the road through Pawlett (Up and over a small hill).
You cross a river bridge over the River Huntspill.
DIRECTLY AFTER THE BRIDGE TURN LEFT. Onto a track with a cattle grid.
Ahead by 400m before the next cattle grid PULL OVER ON THE LEFT (Grass field). Park your car.
On foot with your stuff cross the cattle grid, turn left, keep to the right, cross the bridge.. The changing area is to the right with a slipway.
GPS for the nearby Laburnum Hotel is TA9 3RJ.
DIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTH ON THE M5
From the North come off the M5 at Junction 22. Take the right turning.
At the Edithmead roundabout take the first turning left heading on the A38 towards Bridgwater, Pawlett and West Huntspill.
Follow the road through Highbridge then through Huntspill.
There is a speed camera on the right.
150m further on before you cross the river bridge over the River Huntspill. Turn Right.
Onto a track with a cattle grid.
Ahead by 400m before the next cattle grid PULL OVER ON THE LEFT (Grass field). Park your car.
On foot with your stuff cross the cattle grid, turn left, keep to the right, cross the bridge.. The changing area is to the right with a slipway.
GPS for the nearby Laburnum Hotel is TA9 3RJ.