Registration. All adults MUST be registered to be able to swim. This is via online form (this form).
Children NEED TO BE REGISTERED and MUST be under the close supervision of a responsible adult who is aware of any relevant medical conditions/information. This adult MUST be registered & accompany the child/children in the water.
Children aged 11-17yrs - max 2 children per responsible adult.
Children under 11yrs - max 1 child per responsible adult.
Children MUST have one of our floats & may have to stay within their own standing depth, please listen for guidance from staff.
Wristbands - Please come and grab your wristband as soon as you arrive. Allow at least 30 mins prior to your 1st swim to get a swim wristband. You must keep your swim wristband on for the whole weekend. No wristband, no swim. If you lose/break yours, you will have to get a new one.
Kit
- Wear what you choose - swimwear, wetsuits - your choice!
- Any medication you need (eg inhaler, epipen).
- Swim shoes, wetsuit boots or old trainers - it's stony underfoot.
- Towel big enough to change under (changing spaces are limited & comunal).
- Swim float (we have some spare)
- Lots of warm layers, easy to put on.
- Windproof/rainproof jacket (or DryRobe or similar)
- Woolly hat
- Drink & snack for immediately after you dress.
Swim times listed are arrival times and session end times. Please allow minimum 90mins for a relaxed wild swim experience (30mins swim time), 60mins for a quick swim/dip (15mins swim time). It will take about 30mins for signing in and safety brief before your swim, and we've allowed 15-30mins to change before and after. At busier times there may be a wait. At very busy times we may ask you have a shorter swim/dip so more people get a turn.
Swim times are limited by tides, we will not be able to let you swim if you arrive later than the times listed.
No one will be permitted to swim whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Avoid the risks of cold water shock - get in slowly, keep your face & head out of the water until your breathing comes back to normal.
Swim area - please stay within the area set by the staff. They will mark the furthest/deepest points, please stay within this area. This will be set with tide & conditions in mind.
Swim, dip, paddle - it's up to you! Stay in 5 mins or longer. Enjoy!
No swimming is allowed outside of our sessions for safety reasons. The river at Lawrenny runs fast and can be dangerous.
Weather & cancellations - we will run all swim sessions as long as it's safe to do so. Please check with our Spond group for updates.
No sauna or hot shower until at least 1hr after swimming It's important not to warm up too quickly after you have cooled your core body temperature. Warm up by wearing warm layers, eating & moving. Find shelter if you need.
Dress & warm up after your swim - bring lots of warm layers and a hot drink & snack. We strongly advise you fully dress before you leave us to start warming up properly. If you do choose to change back at camp, you leave our care at your own risk.
Alcohol & drugs - No one will be allowed to swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If we think you may be under the influence, we may ask you to come back another time.
If you feel ill or very cold during or immediately after your swim, please tell one of our staff or visit the medical teams on-site and let them know you've been swimming.
Personal belongings need to be left at our changing & meeting point so we advise you do not bring valuable items.
Photos - please tag @wildswim.wales @thebigretreat on any photos you post.
Staff instructions If a member of staff gives instructions, please follow them.