Final call for Open Water Swim 2022

New Kids on the Dock are limbering up to take the plunge. Are you ready to join them? Make haste. The deadline is fast approaching for those wanting to take part in the first of our Open Water Swim series. Sign up by May 27 or be left high and dry.

Herts resident Fran and her friends won’t be stranded when it comes to taking to the water at Merchant Taylors’ Lake on 28 May. Self-confessed novices at al fresco swimming, the five friends are already working out their individual strategies for coping with the course. The event offers plenty of options – from ‘get in and splash’ to 5k plus for the experienced swimmers.

“We’ll probably swim breaststroke so we can chat as we go!” says Fran, who completed her second practice swim at Denham at the weekend. She’s hoping to cover 1.5 km on the day but reckons team members will probably end up covering different distances.

“Some of us haven’t swum more than a couple of lengths for many years so we’re each working on technique and stamina but taking it at our own pace.”

Fran swims in an indoor pool most Thursdays but admits open water swimming is a very different kettle of fish.

Just how different was brought breathtakingly clear on a camping weekend last year. “We jumped into a freezing cold lake in just our swimming costumes. We found it really invigorating but since that first dip – wet suits have been a must.”

As a former events fundraiser for Rennie Grove, Fran knows how much work goes into hosting events like the Open Water Swim. And how important the charity’s unique service is in the local community. “Already this year, three of our neighbours have needed the nurses’ care. It all feels particularly relevant right now.”