Lake Swimming with DWOTC?

Our open water sessions take place at The Bridge South Lake, Dartford, with sessions running on Monday and Friday evenings and Saturday mornings during the lake May to October.

The lake is set up with marked swim loops, safety kayak cover, a registration point, and clear entry and exit points. It is a friendly and supportive environment, whether you are new to open water or simply new to swimming at our lake.

Find us here:

Lake Inductions

Before swimming at the lake, every swimmer must complete a lake induction. This applies to:

• New members
• Trial members
• Existing members who have not swum at the lake before
• Experienced open water swimmers joining us for the first time

The induction is a short safety briefing and orientation. It explains how the lake works, where to enter and exit, the swim routes, how registration works, what kit you need, and what to do if you need assistance in the water.

How to Arrange an Induction

New to the club?
Sign up for a trial membership first, then we’ll help arrange your lake induction.

Already a DWOTC member?
Ask on the club WhatsApp group and one of the lake team or coaches will let you know when the next induction opportunity is available.

What You’ll Need

Please bring:

• Brightly coloured swim cap
• Goggles
• Tow-float (we have a small number we can lend you for an indiction)
• Suitable swimwear or wetsuit
• Warm clothes for after your swim

You’ll also need to sign in before entering the water and sign out when you finish.

A Quick Note on Safety

Our lake sessions rely on volunteer safety cover, including kayakers and registration marshals. Sessions only go ahead when the lake team confirms there are sufficient marshals and whether conditions allow.

Once inducted, you’ll be able to enjoy club lake sessions throughout the season.