RLSS UK Open Water Festival comes to Manvers Lake in Rotherham this September
After the success of the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s (RLSS UK) Open Water Festival in Evesham, Worcestershire, the charity has announced a second festival at Manvers Lake in Rotherham on Sunday 18 September 2022.
There are five opportunities to get involved in this RLSS UK event including a 1,600 metre swim, 800 metre swim and a 400 metre swim for those aged 14 and over. For younger participants, there’s 200 metre swim (age 10 and over) and a Rookie Splash (under 10s). There will be medals for all participants and prizes for first, second and third places.
Register your interest and you will also automatically be entered into a draw to win a dryrobe® Advance, thanks to their main sponsor dryrobe®.
A new location in the north
“Our Open Water Festival in June was so well attended, with everyone having such a fantastic time, that we are delighted to announce a second festival for 2022, this time in the north of the country,” said RLSS UK Charity Director, Lee Heard.
“We are proud that our Open Water Festivals cater for a variety of ages and swimmers. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced open water swimmer, everyone is guaranteed a warm welcome in a safe environment.”
Alongside the swims, there will be stalls, activities and competitions. The Manvers Lake-Bears – a group of like-minded dog owners who train their Newfoundland dogs in elements of water rescue – will also be making an appearance! The dogs are trained to take out lifesaving equipment to those in difficulty and use whatever means available to them to bring that person in safely.
Prepare yourself for cold water immersion
The RLSS UK recognises the growth in popularity of open water swimming, and wants to create events where swimmers can get into the water in a safe environment.
They have also been working with sports scientist and former Olympian, Professor Greg Whyte, to create a two-week cold water exposure plan to reduce the impact of cold water immersion called Sponge to Plunge.
The RLSS UK Open Water Festival will take place on Sunday 18 September 2022 at Manvers Waterfront Boat Club, Rotherham, S63 7EH. Register here. Costs to enter swims range from £10-£30 and entry is free for spectators. Need safety kit for an open water event? The Outdoor Swimmer Shop has everything you need.
Photo: RLSS UK
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
