Open Water Swimming

Open Water Swimming is a new event for the 2008 Beijing Olympics but been around for much longer than swimming in pools.

Being a city London has less Open Water available to swim but it has some gems - Serpentine in Hyde Park, Hamstead Heath Ponds, Royal Albert Dock in Newham.

Lidos don't really count as open water as they are still in a pool environment but they are still great fun - find your nearest London Lido.

The Outdoor Swimming Society organises a charity swim in the Serpentine every July.

There is a Festival of Open Water Swimming in July which contains international and national events.

Find out more about Competitive Open Water Swimming