Pendle Triathlon Club Colne, Lancashire · since 2010

Swim Lake Burwain

Open water swimming at Lake Burwain.

Every Thursday evening through the warmer months, Pendle Tri Club runs marshalled open-water swimming at Lake Burwain sailing club in Foulridge. It is one of the loveliest places in Lancashire to get in the water, and you do not have to be a club member to come.

Season status: check the Swim Lake Burwain page for this week’s conditions. Sessions can be cancelled at short notice for water quality, low water levels or algae — the safety of the swim comes before the swim.

The sessions

Two sessions run back to back on a Thursday evening, each about forty-five minutes in the water. Numbers in each are capped so that the safety crew can see everybody.

Session 1 Thursday evening Arrive in good time to sign in and be briefed 18:00–18:45
Session 2 Thursday evening The quieter of the two, most weeks 19:00–19:45

How to book

Every swimmer registers once for the season, then books individual sessions week by week. Bookings for the coming Thursday open on Wednesday lunchtime — as soon as that week’s swim has closed — and stay open until Wednesday morning the following week. That week’s gap gives the volunteers time to draw up the swim list and allocate the safety roles.

  1. Register for the season — one form, covering your details, next of kin and a declaration that you are fit to swim.
  2. Book your session each week once bookings open.
  3. Order your pie at the same time, if you want feeding afterwards.

Places are limited and popular evenings do fill. If you cannot make a session you have booked, let us know so somebody else can have the place.

What to bring

  • A wetsuit — the water is colder than it looks, even in July
  • A brightly coloured swim hat, so the safety crew can see you
  • Goggles, and a spare pair if you have them
  • A tow float, recommended for everybody and required for some sessions
  • Warm clothes, a hat and a towel for afterwards — you will cool down fast
  • A hot drink in a flask, if you are the sort of person who plans ahead

New to open water?

Then say so when you arrive, and stay near the marshals. Open water is a different sport from the pool: it is colder, you cannot see the bottom, and the first cold-water gasp catches everybody out the first time. Go in slowly, put your face in before you start swimming, and stay well within what you can comfortably do.

The club also runs introduction sessions with our own open-water coach for anyone who wants to be walked through it properly. Ask us about the next one.

Getting there

Lake Burwain sailing club, Foulridge, near Colne. There is plenty of parking on site, and changing rooms with hot showers.

Directions in Google Maps