Open Water

After gaining cult-like momentum during the pandemic, outdoor swimming has grown into a mainstream hobby with more and more people opting for a fresh air exercise session instead of swimming laps in an indoor pool.

The Outdoor Swimming Society reports that 7.5 million people now venture into the UK’s rivers, lakes, lidos and seas – all of which you can find easily along the East Coast.
Even the most proficient pool swimmer will have to adapt to being in open water, where weather, temperature and tides will all affect safety and success – if you’re unsure how to make the leap from one type of water to another, some coaching might be advisable. If you’re keen to try lake or sea swimming – or both – then Nicola Butler could be a good choice. A GB age group Aquathlon competitor, she’s an elite swimmer with a track record in offering bespoke coaching and training plans for all levels. In 2025 she launched Peak Open Water Sports, a new open water swimming club, with coaching and lifeguard cover provided across several weekly sessions. “Whether you are a recreational or competitive swimmer, this is the club for you,” says Nicola. “Aiming to provide a safe, inclusive and social swim community in lakes and the sea, I want everyone to experience the benefits of open water swimming.” Swim sessions operate from Lowestoft beach, plus two locations unique to Peak OW: Lynford Water in Suffolk and Fritton Lake in Norfolk. There are between five and six sessions per week for all members to access, with an app/wrist tracking device ensuring that swimmers clock in and out of the water. For information see www.peakopenwatersports.com

In Essex, Seamus Bennett is a certified Swim Smooth coach who, since 2017, has run squad sessions at Felixstowe Leisure Centre's bright, deck-level seafront pool plus dozens of open water intro sessions at the town’s Blue Flag beach. Suitable for all levels from novice to elite, Seamus focuses on each swimmer’s specific needs to get them swimming further, faster, more confidently and safely, touching on everything from how best to enter and exit the water to how to ‘sight’ – stay safe and on track – effectively and make stroke adaptations. Learn more at www.swimsmooth-suffolk.co.uk.