Open Water Swimming
Open water swimming is swimming in its purest, most natural form. Strip away the lane ropes and walls, and you are left with an ancient practice that reconnects us directly with the natural world. Incorporating open water swimming into your routine isn't just another workout—it's tapping into a vital physical skill that preserves mobility, boosts cardiovascular health, and sharpens mental strength for life.
At The Cold Water Method, we believe that immersing yourself in natural bodies of water is essential for total well-being. Exposure to cold open water triggers a powerful physiological response: it boosts circulation, reduces stress, and releases a flood of endorphins that leave you sharp, grounded, and deeply energized. Whether you are stepping into a lake, a river, or the sea, every swim challenges your mind and restores your body.
Coached Sessions
Open Water Swimming
Casual Open Water Swimming Coaching - Group Session
Transitioning from the pool to natural water requires a shift in both mindset and technique. This session serves as our foundational group coaching experience, offering a structured, calm, and supportive environment designed to ease you into the elements.You will learn the fundamentals of safe cold-water acclimatization, efficient stroke mechanics, sighting, and controlled buoy turns. We respect every swimmer's journey and progression is entirely at your own pace as you build stamina and confidence.Perfect for triathletes looking to improve their swim, pool swimmers making the transition to natural water, or open water swimmers wanting a relaxed environment to improve distance efficiency or technique. To join, you should have the basic ability to swim 50 meters continuously in a pool or open water.Thursday & Friday 16:30-18:00
Advanced Open Water Swimming
Advanced Open Water Swimming Coaching - Group Session
Structured training for confident swimmers looking to build stamina and skill. This structured session focuses on building endurance, hitting new distance and speed milestones, and mastering the natural elements. You will learn the skills needed to navigate group dynamics comfortably, covering advanced sighting, precision drafting, and pack swimming. To help you track your growth, we incorporate distance tracking and time-keeping so you can clearly understand your performance. Whether you are aiming for a personal milestone, an event, or simply a stronger swim fitness routine, these session plans provide the blueprint to get you there.This group is tailor-made for long-distance swimmers, triathletes, and any fitness-minded swimmer looking for a structured training environment. To join, you should have the foundational capability to comfortably swim 250 meters of continuous freestyle in an open water environment.Saturday 10:00-12:00
Private Coaching
Open Water Swimming Coaching - 1 : 1 Session
Personalized coaching designed exclusively around your goals. Our 1:1 sessions offer a direct route to swimming improvement, providing completely personalized coaching tailored to your exact needs. These sessions can cover any facet of swimming, from stroke analysis and pacing work to guidance for those overcoming aquaphobia or managing water anxiety. We also focus heavily on the foundational safety of cold-water immersion, ensuring you learn the proper techniques to enter natural water environments safely. Your coach adapts completely to you, providing expert instruction from either in the water or from the lakeside depending on your comfort level.This premium pathway is suitable for all abilities, welcoming everyone from nervous swimmers building basic water confidence to experienced athletes looking for micro-adjustments to their technique.Monday-Sunday 06:00-10:00
All of our open water swimming sessions are supervised by an open water lifeguard trained in first aid and open water rescue. All of our coaches hold a Level 2 qualification in Open Water Coaching, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
April - October
Open Water Swimming Season
Timetable
16:30 -18:00
Thursday
Casual
16:30 -18:00
Friday
Casual
10:00 - 12:00
Saturday
Advanced
Session Prices
Casual
£7 per session
Advanced
£12 per session
Private
£36 per hour
To become a member of The Cold Water Method and participate in our sessions there is a one time £15 registration fee. New members receive the Cold Water Method Pink swimming cap to wear during sessions.
All our Open Water Swimming Sessions are held at
Mawdesley Lancashire