Swimming in tarns, lakes and rivers is great fun, and a wonderful way to experience the Lake District landscape. However it's important to stay safe.
Which lake?
Quieter lakes best for swimming
These lakes have less boat traffic:
Bassenthwaite - but no diving allowed
Buttermere
Crummock Water
Grasmere
Loweswater
Rydal Water
Wast Water
Busier lakes
Anyone can swim in these lakes but there are more boats:
Coniston Water
Derwentwater
Ullswater
Windermere
In these busier lakes, we really recommend picking a swim route along the shoreline, so you're less likely to be in the path of boats and cruisers. Its also more important to make yourself as visible as possible. Wear a bright hat, have a tow float and have a support craft like a kayak or paddleboard, to keep safe and enjoy your swimming.
Swimming not allowed
Swimming is not allowed in Ennerdale Water, Haweswater and Thirlmere.
Swimmers may be able to see boaters but boaters may not be able to see swimmers!
Have a safety boat (a canoe, kayak or paddleboard work well) ideally displaying a white and blue Alpha flag .
Take a look at the photos below. If you were steering a boat, which swimmer is easier to spot?
Be Water Wise
The deep lakes and tarns in the Lake District can be cold, even on a hot summers day. Exposure to cool water can rapidly lead to hypothermia, and the early signs like struggling to move your hands, can make swimming more difficult than normal.
Wear a wetsuit to keep you warmer and more buoyant.
Enter the water slowly to get used to it.
Check the depth and the water bed by walking in carefully.
Don't jump in, you could get shocked by the cold, and you don't know how deep it is.
Don't stay in too long if you are not used to cold water.
Pick a route along the shoreline so you can get out easily if you need to.
Have lots of layers, a hat, and a warm drink ready for when you get out of the water, even in summer.
Be Mindful
Choose one of the quieter lakes that do not allow boats.
Avoid mooring areas, marinas and jetties used by boats, ferry routes and boating channels.
Be aware boaters may be in any area of the lake at any time of day or night.
Only swim when weather conditions are suitable - remember they can change quickly.
Lake Rangers advice on being seen as a swimmer
Starting out?
Open water swimming sessions provide instruction and safety support. Also you meet other enthusiasts. Some local suppliers include:
Active Blu - from the Windermere shores of Brockhole - The Lake District Visitor Centre.
Chillswim - Lake District open water swim specialists.
MyTriClub - events in and around the National Park.
Invasive non-native species of wildlife can hitchhike on equipment, footwear, clothing and boats. You may inadvertently spread the aliens even if you just go for a paddle! Every time you leave any water such as a river, tarn or lake:
Check - Clean - Dry
Check your equipment and clothing for living organisms. Pay particular attention to damp or hard to inspect areas.
Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly. If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them or on a hard surface to die out.
Dry all equipment and clothing. Some species can live for many days in damp conditions.
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