Swimming In The Docks

RATHER than spending your Saturdays shopping, how about open water swimming at Salford Quays? Radical, you might say.

Dave informs us that the wetsuits provided are made of strong thermal material, which gradually heats up the more you swim.

But Dave Quartermain, ÜSwim Open Water organiser, tells us it’s the next big thing. ÜSwim operates at four locations in the North West; Salford Quays Dock 9, Boundary Water Park in Cheshire, and at two docks in Liverpool. The aim is, apparently, to broaden your oceanic horizons by learning how to swim in open water professionally.

Led by experienced coaches, the open water workshops are invaluable for both first time open water swimmers as well as the more experienced individuals looking to improve their swimming techniques. The workshops are limited to eight participants with an experienced swim coach giving expert feedback, and there are also escort swimmers available to offer in-water support if required.

Dave tells us that this isn’t just a great opportunity for adults but for kids too. He explains, “Once the kids get involved, they love it. It’s different and it becomes a basic life skill very valuable to them. I love the idea of kids joining in; they have to be confident swimmers though, but an early start is good for them.”

All this seems exciting, though one might worry about the temperature of the water.

Dave informs us that the wetsuits provided are made of strong thermal material, which gradually heats up the more you swim.

Adult swim costs are £5 per session (or £4 if buying a multi-pass - 10 sessions for 8) with no registration fee required. The Under 16s/ students/unwaged swim cost is £2 with Under 11s free. These events run Saturdays (at Salford Quays) only; morning sessions from 8-11am and evening sessions from 5.30-8pm. For further information, visit www.uswimopenwater.com