Open Water Swimming

6th May - 15th July 2021

VO2 Max Racing Events have secured open water swimming at QE2 lake, Woodhorn, on Thursday evenings from 18:00 to 20:00, commencing 6th May  2021.

All swimmers must pre-register online.

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PRE-REGISTRATION CLOSES 1800 ON MAY 11TH

After May 11th anyone who is not pre-registered should come to the sign-in table at the venue to complete a paper registration form.

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Sign in is from 18:00 at the VO2 desk; there is a simple procedure for signing in and out after swimming. A £3.50 fee is payable on the night.

Please do not enter the water or leave without signing in and out, as this may lead to un-necessary emergency action.

Who Can Take Part?

Anyone from beginners, recreational swimmers, triathletes and anyone wishing to improve their open water swimming.

Training is of mixed ability with various groups forming at the session. There is a coached lead session around the buoys and there is also a long-distance group for those training for the long-distance events and swims. Some swimmers prefer to do their own session, it’s up to you, just enjoy the open water swimming experience.

15 or 16 on or before 31st December 2021?

For children aged 15 or 16 on 31st December to train, we must have written parental consent and there must be a nominated adult swimmer who will be directly responsible for their wellbeing in the water (2 children max per adult). We must also insist that the children and responsible adult swim together as well as following the open water swimming guidelines.

Unfortunately, children under the age of 15 on 31st December 2021 are not permitted to swim.

Safety and rules

Training is at your own risk and you are responsible for your own safety. However, we do set guidelines for everyone to follow, which you should download from our website and read.  There will also be a swim safety brief before you enter the water.

Northumberland County Council allow us to use the lake for a 2-hour period on Thursdays during the dates above. There is NO SWIMMING IS ALLOWED AT THE QE2 LAKE AT ANY OTHER TIME - please respect this condition, as anyone swimming outside of the agreed times will jeopardise the future of all the sessions.

WETSUITS ARE MANDATORY. SWIM CAPS MUST ALSO BE WORN FOR VISIBILITY

Need a wetsuit? - our swim event partners ZONE3 can help!

Wetsuits are mandatory for our open water swimming sessions, and if you plan to enter any open water triathlons or challenge swims in the UK, you'll probably find you need a suit. It's a rare UK event where the water is warm enough for wetsuits to be unnecessary!

If you are considering buying or hiring a wetsuit, please visit our Swim Partner Zone 3. We can highly recommend their range of wetsuits and accessories.