Open water swimming at St Andrews Lakes is all about quality, safety, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Our crystal-clear, spring-fed lake offers a refreshing and clean environment for every swim. The designated swim course is always monitored by professional lifeguards, so you can focus on your technique – or simply enjoy a relaxing paddle – with total confidence.
Whether your open water swim journey is just getting started, or you’re an experienced swimmer training for an event, our friendly team is here to support you every stroke of the way.
An induction is required to swim at St Andrews Lakes.
SWIM SESSIONS & EVENTS
Password protected booking area for inducted swimmers to book
OPEN WATER SWIM INDUCTION
Required to swim at St Andrews Lakes
SWIM MEMBERSHIP
Enjoy unlimited swims PLUS discount off other experiences too!
IMPORTANT TO NOTE - SAFETY WHEN SWIMMING
SAFETY
Your safety is our number 1 priority, so we do have some simple rules that have to be followed:
INDUCTIONS: An induction is required before swimming at St Andrews Lakes. Once inducted, you will be given the latest password to book swim sessions and swim events. Read more about inductions below.
NOWCA: All swimmers must hold a valid NOWCA membership and wear the NOWCA safety wristband during sessions. Read more about NOWCA below.
HATS AND TOW FLOATS: All swimmers are required to wear a brightly coloured swim cap and be equipped with a safety tow float. If you do not have either of these, you will be asked to leave the water. If you forget one day, we might have spares at our shop, however this is subject to availability.
LIFEGUARDS: All our sessions are lifeguard supervised; you’re always being looked after!
INDUCTIONS
INDUCTIONS
- To swim at St Andrews Lakes, you must first complete an induction with one of our open water swim staff to ensure your safety and confidence on site.
- If you have not swam with us for over one year, you will be required to book another swim induction with us.
- These inductions are designed to make sure you feel safe on the water, familiar with our site and to meet our friendly team. This induction will include a 350m swim with an open water lifeguard alongside you. One of our core aims to reassure in open water swimming and reduce any anxieties or nerves you have around open water.
- Warm welcome to the lake and introduction to our team at our Shop.
- Guidance on signalling for help, how to recognise and what to do in cases of cold water shock and hypothermia.
- Accompanied swim with an open water lifeguard.
- Optional, complimentary swim offered after completion of induction as long as they hold a valid NOWCA membership.
- Any questions and queries regarding bookings, becoming a NOWCA member, wetsuits & other equipment can be answered by our staff.
- Please allow around 1 hour for your session to include safety training and a 300m swim.
- During our off-peak season, we are only open on the weekends for inductions. We can offer weekday inductions, upon request, subject to availability.
- All swimmers are required to wear a brightly coloured swim hat and tow float. Both can be purchased from our lakeside store.
- Swimmers are also required to join NOWCA.
- If you have not swam with us for over one year, you will be required to book another swim induction with us.
- Please see full T&Cs before booking.
- If the swimmer is aged 10-16, they come under our Youth Open Water Swimming policy which means that the water temperature must be at least 14ºc before being allowed to swim.
- Swimmers under the age of 18 must be accompanied to St Andrews Lakes by a parent or legal guardian for both their Open Water Swim Induction and all subsequent swim sessions.
- The parent or guardian must: Be present at check-in to complete the registration process AND remain shore-side and on site for the entirety of the induction or swim session.
- The accompanying parent or guardian is not required to enter the water or have completed an Open Water Swim Induction
NOWCA MEMBERSHIP Required
We have partnered with the National Open Water Coaching Association (NOWCA), adopting the NOWCA safety system with wristbands to tap in and out, before and after swims. To swim with us at St Andrews Lakes you must be a current member of NOWCA (£20 per year) or this can be purchased with us onsite for £24.
NOWCA stands for the National Open Water Coaching Association, the UK’s leading network of safe open water swimming venues. It provides standardised safety tracking, wristbands, and booking systems across more than 40 locations nationwide.
Swimmers are required to join NOWCA to swim at St Andrews Lakes and continue their membership annually. This can be done on the day of your induction, or in advance using the QR code below. Replacement bands are available at the Shop (a small fee is applied).
NOWCA membership gives you access to a nationwide network of open water swimming venues, along with the ACTiO app to book swims, track your progress and manage your membership. Every swim is recorded using your RFID wristband, allowing you to view your swim history, total distance, number of swims and progress towards NOWCA awards and milestones. Membership also provides enhanced safety through digital check-in/check-out, access to organised events, plus exclusive member discounts and rewards from NOWCA partners.
BECOME A SWIM MEMBER!
Inducted swimmers can enjoy unlimited swims PLUS discounts off other experiences too!
Our Swim Membership includes:
- Unlimited swims (during opening hours)
- 20% discount on our Wellness Experience
- 20% discount on our swim events
- 20% discount on classes
- 10% discount off retail
How much does the membership cost?
- £38 per month when you commit to 12 months
- £55 per month on a rolling contract – cancel anytime
SWIM EVENTS:
INDUCTED SWIMMERS ONLY
To book a swim event, please head to the password-protected area for our inducted swimmers here.
MOON SWIM
SAT 26TH SEPT 2026
SPOOKY SWIM
FRI 30TH OCT 2026
PERIMETER SWIMS
9TH SEP, 27TH SEP
WINTER SOLSTICE SWIM
MON 21ST DEC 2026
BOXING DAY DIP
26TH DEC 2026
NEW YEARS DAY DIP
1ST JAN 2027
SUMMER SOLSTICE SWIM
RETURNING 2027
COLD WATER THERAPY
(RESTARTING OCTOBER 2026)
“Brilliant! I did it and it was so informative, highly recommend this workshop.” – Penny Oliver
COLD WATER WORKSHOPS (RESTARTING OCTOBER 2026)
Cold water is classed as anything below 15°C – and swimming in it safely takes knowledge and preparation. Our 1-hour Cold Water Workshop is designed to give you the skills and confidence you need to enjoy the chill while staying safe.
We’ll begin lakeside with a friendly, interactive chat covering:
- Cold water risks & how your body responds
- Preparation — kit, mindset & safety planning
- Exiting & recovery — how to warm up safely after your swim
- Then it’s time to put learning into action — join us for a short dip (not a swim) to experience cold water with guidance and support.
GUIDED COLD WATER DIPS (RESTARTING OCTOBER 2026)
Join our Cold Water Guru for a refreshing, guided cold‑water dip in the lagoon — a safe, supportive way to experience the benefits of cold immersion.
Sessions last 15 minutes, are for over‑18s, and cost £7.50 per person.
FAQS
Do I need to complete a swim induction to swim?
How long does my induction last?
Do swimmers have dedicated changing rooms and showers?
What equipment do I need for swimming at St Andrews Lakes?
How much is it to swim at St Andrews Lakes?
How long are your swim courses?
- During summer, we have three courses; 300m, 600m and 1000m.
- During winter, we have a 150m and 300m course.
- All courses are marked with coloured buoys and you must swim in the correct direction.
