Open Water Swimming

Useful information

The SYS reception will be open half an hour before the session start time – to swim you need to be a member of SYS (which is free – you just need to fill in a form).  Swims cost £5 per session.

• Hatfield has a short and long course – 200m and 800m respectively.
• We allow swimmers to swim in wetsuits and ‘skins’ (i.e. just your swimming costume) but you must be able to demonstrate your swim competence and experience.  All swimmers will be asked to swim a test route before being allowed onto the longer course.
• Children from the aged of 8 can swim with SYS – as long as they can demonstrate a good swim technique and are accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a competent swimmer themselves.
• Wetsuits are able to be hired through our website – we advise that you book before the session to avoid disappointment.  
• To hire a wetsuit at Hatfield CLICK HERE

We do NOT recommend using sports/kayaking/wind-surf wetsuits as these are NOT designed for swimming.  SYS uses swimming wetsuits – specifically designed for swimming.  Swimmers wearing sports wetsuits will be restricted to the short course.

All swimmers MUST wear a bright swim cap so our safety team can easily sport you – ORANGE, BRIGHT GREEN, or YELLOW.  (White caps are not good as they often look like waves on the lake!)