Introduction to Open Water Swimming
for Adults
Designed to help improve mental and physical wellbeing.
Open Water Swimming sessions are designed to offer a fun and relaxed setting to enjoy outdoor swimming and improve mental and physical wellbeing and provide the opportunity for participants to enjoy a supervised swim led by Open Water Swimming coaches and experienced open water swimmers in our beautiful island environment within a safe, supportive, and encouraging group setting. The swims are led by Qualified Open Water Swimming Coaches who are supported by trained volunteers; they are friendly, sociable and nobody gets left behind. Where possible our swims are followed by a chance to enjoy a cuppa’ in a local café and enjoy time socially with other swimmers.
MOVE MORE INTRODUCTION TO OPEN WATER SWIMMING IS FOR:
- Anyone over the age of 16 years old – our programme caters for a wide range of mobility, swimming ability and fitness levels.
- People who can already swim 25m – 50m in a pool environment.
- People who are open water beginners and need support to get started.
- People who can swim front crawl or breaststroke with either their head up or face in the water.
- People who are nervous/apprehensive about sea swimming.
- People with lower physical ability, long-term health conditions and those who would like to try open water swimming to become more active.
- Anyone looking to make new friendships – our swims are sociable and great if you enjoy the company of others.
The Move More Open Water Swimming sessions are aimed at anyone over the age of 16 years of age, and our programme caters for a wide range of mobility, swimming ability and fitness levels.
Open water swimming is a fantastic form of exercise for anyone with a basic swimming ability, provided it is done in a safe and controlled environment. People of all ages and all physical abilities will benefit from open water swimming, as it is a great way to keep active without putting stress on the joints. There are many other health benefits of open water swimming including better sleep, increased happiness, boosted immune system and preventing and managing long-term health conditions.
As there is a social element to our swims, they are also of value for those who are on their own, looking to make new friendships and those who enjoy the company of others.
MOVE MORE INTRODUCTION TO OPEN WATER SWIMMING SESSIONS – STARTING JULY 2025 (block of 1 session per week over 10 weeks)
They are small group sessions for novice open water swimmers in various different locations, depending on the tide, such as Havre Des Pas bathing pool, Ouaisne Bay, Anne Port and a few others.
During this course you will learn the basics of swimming in the sea and build upon your pool swimming ability, whilst educating yourselves on the tides, effects of weather and do’s and don’ts for cold water swimming.
These sessions are open to adults who can swim 25-50m+ in a pool environment but are either new to open water swimming or are nervous/apprehensive about swimming in the sea. These sessions are open to people who can swim front crawl or breaststroke, either head up or face in.
People are more than welcome to wear wetsuits if they have them, however these are optional and are not provided.
There is also a free dry side session for you to attend prior to your swim course where you will learn important things that will help you to swim safely in open water, such as, the do’s and don’ts for open water swimming and what you need to consider before swimming in order to ensure that you keep yourself as safe as possible. There are limited spaces per dry side session, so please select the one that best suits you.
View the time table and locations here:
The cost is £65 per block or free for income support (evidence of a valid claim required – this needs to be submitted every 6 months)
WHAT TO BRING
To get started you will need some comfortable swimwear, a brightly coloured swimming hat, swimming goggles and a towel. We also recommend that women tie their hair back, even when wearing a swimming hat, as it makes it easier to put them on. If you have a wetsuit you would like to wear you are welcome to, but this is optional. If the sun is shining please don’t forget to put on your water resistant sun cream!
You will be required to wear a tow float when swimming, which we will loan to you during the sessions, however you may wish to purchase your own as this is a useful piece of kit for continuing your open water swimming journey.
Don’t forget your warm clothes to wear afterwards including socks and shoes, even a woolly hat, a warm drink and a snack.
HOW TO BOOK
To register your interest for the Introduction to Open Water Swimming course for adults please register your details here:
IMPORTANT: If you have a health condition, or take medication that may affect your ability to participate in our swimming programme, we recommend that you see your GP for a medical check-up before starting out.
VOLUNTEER WITH US
If you enjoy open water swimming, are experienced and in good fitness, why not consider becoming a Swim Pod Leader or Land Support? Full training will be given, all free of charge.
If you would like any further information about the Move More Introduction to Open Water Swimming for adults, please contact Martine Le Guilcher, Swimming and Community Sport Development Officer, at: Martine.leguilcher@jerseysport.je or 01534 757709.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SWIMMING WITH YOU!