About Us

The background

Open water swimming is going through a huge growth period and to make the most of this growth, we created a club of keen open water swimmers of all ages and abilities, who like to gather together to enjoy the outdoors, the water, and who look out for each other. Over the last few season, it has become apparent that the club comes into its own in the winter, when swimming in safe surroundings, and conditions is paramount. It has created a tight knit community.
The success has been such that we have had to cap our membership at 80 swimmers, as we are restricted by our infrastructure, in terms of space to shelter and warm up after cold winter swims.
We are very lucky to be allowed to use the Queenford Lakes facilities during the winter season, when the lake is closed to public swimming. So we gathered there every Sunday morning at 8 for a swim, followed by chats, warm drinks and cakes in the clubhouse. We do put up our own safety for these official club activities. But many of our member also organise their own social swims during week days, by the river.:

We believe that everyone has different reasons to swim, and should be encouraged to participate and swim, whatever those reasons. As one of the best forms of exercise, swimming has been shown to have numerous positive impacts on well-being.

The new season 2019

The clubs aim to be accessible to all “types” of swimmers, from leisurely to competitive swimmers, and support each member in their personal achievements. But because it is possible for all to swim at the lake during the summer without being a club member, we are keen to tailor our membership to those who are also interested in cold water and winter swimming. Therefore, our membership fees, from the 2019 season, will include 10 winter swims. Club subs for the season 2019 are : £50 which include normal fees of £20 and 10 winter swims at £3.

The various activities of the clubs are shaped by their members and will reflect their wishes, goals and expectations, but all should thrive towards these clubs mission statements:
– to support the practice and development of safe open water swimming for its members
– to provide its member with the opportunity to participate or compete at local, regional and national events
– to allow the practice of open water swimming as a non-competitive leisure
– to treat everyone equally within the context of its activity
– to promote the sport of open water swimming and encourage others to give it a go in safe conditions
– to have a social responsibility to the communities in which it operates

Where can I join?

Our clubs is based in Oxford but we are “twinned” with the Henley Open Water club and welcome their members to our winter swims too (and vice versa – join them on Facebook)  Oxford has its “home” at a Queenford Lakes, whilst Henley has its home on the Thames.

Join the Openwaterclubs Oxford