A new chapter for HOWL The Haven

After 18 months of preparation and support from NOWCA, The Haven in Feltham has reopened its doors, bringing a much-loved stretch of open water back to the swimming community

Words by Tom Lipscombe:

On 23 August, we were delighted to reopen The Haven and welcome swimmers back to this special stretch of open water in Feltham.

Taking on an open water venue comes with significant responsibility. It’s not simply about opening the gates; it’s about creating a safe, well managed and welcoming environment where swimmers of all abilities can enjoy the water with confidence.

That’s where the support of NOWCA has been invaluable.

For 18 months, we worked alongside NOWCA to prepare The Haven for reopening. From local governance, operational guidance and best-practice resources to training, venue management support and the NOWCA safety system – we’ve had access to the specialist tools and expertise needed to bring the venue back into operation.

As an existing NOWCA operator at Lakeside Country Park in Eastleigh, we already knew the value of being part of a wider network dedicated to safe open water swimming. At HOWL The Haven, that partnership has helped us give an established swimming venue a new chapter while protecting access for its community.

We’re incredibly excited about what comes next and about welcoming more swimmers to The Haven.

Together with NOWCA, we’re helping deliver a shared ambition: More water. More people. More safely. nowca.org.