Access information for Love Open Water Nottingham

We welcome all swimmers at our Nottingham venue and want to provide the best access possible to the wonderful lake. 

Swimmer's parking is in the main parking area of the sailing club, this is approximately 100m walk from the lake. Those with mobility issues are welcome to drive down to the small parking area nearer to the lake. The parking areas are compacted stone surface but can get very muddy around the edges. If you would like a member of staff to meet you and walk down to the lake with you on your first visit, please let us know in advance.

We have a cabin for swimmers to change in if they would like to. This is heated in the winter. It is a mixed changing area but there is an unheated area behind the main cabin which can be used by those wanting more privacy. The main cabin has three steps leading into it. The smaller changing space at the back is on ground level but has a slight lip (approx. 2 inches) at the base of the doorway.

The lake itself is accessed via a gradually sloping concrete ramp. Staff and volunteers are always on hand to help people access the lake. The lake gets deeper gradually, so it's possible to enter at your own pace. 

There are toilets on site which are approximately 150m from the lake. These are accessed via a ramp or flight of steps and a member of staff or volunteer can assist you with accessing the building.

The main swim course is marked with brightly coloured, inflatable swim buoys. Our lifeguards are on hand to provide guidance if you're struggling to spot the marker buoys.

Our fantastic coaches are happy to work on a 1-2-1 basis with anyone who is anxious about any part of the swim experience and would rather not join a group session. Please see our Coaching section for information on contacting our coaches.

The lake can be very busy at times. Although everyone is there to relax and enjoy there can be a lot of chatter and laughter. We understand some people may prefer a quieter experience. Our morning sessions tend to be the most peaceful times. During the summer months we will also have Mindful Swim sessions - a chance for people to swim peacefully and spend time reflecting in nature.

Should you have any aids, these can be left safely with the venue staff / volunteers, either lakeside or undercover.

If you would like any further information about accessibility at the venue, would like to speak to someone in advance of your visit, or have feedback on the information provided here please choose SUBMIT A TICKET at the top right of the page if you are viewing this on a desktop.  If using a mobile, click on the burger bar (three lines in top right corner) and then choose SUBMIT A TICKET.

	Image shows main parking area looking towards the swimming cabin at the far end.  There are cars parked on each side of the road leading towards the cabin.
	Image shows main parking area looking towards the main clubhouse from the lake.  There are cars parked on each side of the road that leads left to the main entrance.
	Image shows parking area closer to the lake.  The lake is straight ahead with cars parked on the right.  The parking area is muddy.
	Image shows changing cabin.  The cabin is green with an aqua colored door and there is paving in front of the cabin.  There is one very low step and and higher step up onto small platform with red handrails on each side.
	Image shows path to walk from the changing cabin to the lake.  There is green matting from the cabin to a concrete ramp which runs into the water.
	Image shows ramp that leads into the water.  There is a concrete path with grass on each side.
	Image shows ramp that leads to toilets in the Sailing clubhouse.  There is a small concrete path leading onto the wooden ramp with handrails each side with the white clubhouse on the left.
	Image shows the area at the rear of the cabin which can be used for changing.  It is long and narrow and has a kayak placed at the front (which is removed during session times)
	Image shows the area at the rear of the cabin which can be used for changing. The entrance to the area has a small lip and the area has a gravel base.  It has a wooden door with large concrete tiles just before the doorway threshold.
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