Introduction to Cold Water Swimming Saturday 18th January 9:30am

Portishead Open Air Pool, Saturday 18th January, 9:30am to 11:00am

Come and learn all about cold-water swimming – why it may be of use to you, how to do it safely, what happens to you when you do it, and how/why you might keep swimming outdoors all through the winter. Then begin your cold-water experience in the safe environment of this stunning lifeguarded outdoor pool!

After the session you can continue to enjoy the atmosphere of the pool with its lively and enthusiastic cold water swimming community, either poolside with a hot drink from the kiosk or in the on-site cafe, with views across the Bristol Channel.

At Portishead Open Air Pool we are all about building a close-knit community of well educated cold-water enthusiasts who go on to continue enjoying the experience both with us and in other environments.

The cost of this ticket includes your entry to the venue and the cost of your swim.

You MUST read the HEALTH NOTE below before purchasing your ticket.

The session will be run by local experts Alec Richardson and Emma Pusill. Emma is a co-author of “The Lido Guide” and director of the Popsicle, Portishead’s annual cold-water gala. She has been an advocate of cold-water swimming for many years and has safely introduced hundreds of swimmers to its joys. Alec is an Open Water Coach, a UK Silver medallist in 90m cold-water freestyle, and author of “Ask Me Why I’m Stood Here” – the story of his swim across the Bristol Channel.

The Lido Guide

Ask Me Why I'm Stood Here

What do I need to bring?

The session will involve a 45 minute talk, then getting into the water (if you want to!). There are changing rooms, but it is an open-air pool, and we cannot control the weather! We will do the educational and informative part first, undercover, but in a well-ventilated space. Then you can change into your swimming gear (wetsuit if you like – you can always try both with and without. Swim-cap and goggles if you want to put your head in, or woolly hat to keep your head warm whilst in the water if you don't wish to submerge it). You need to cover up quickly after the swim so changing robes, dressing gowns and coats, large towels and flip-flops or crocs are all decent suggestions. A warm hat and lots of layers for after you have dried off.

The on-site café will be open, so you have access to hot drinks and somewhere warm to sit, relax and enjoy the post-dip buzz.

The water temperature is likely to be a bit below 10 degrees this season, so it is definitely ‘cold’ and needs to be treated with respect. Other, unmanaged bodies of water will drop well below this over the winter, and we will discuss how to adapt what you learn on the day for other venues and temperatures. There is no pressure to get in, but of course it will help you to relate the experience to the information we will present you with. There is also no pressure for you to stay in for any length of time, or even put your head in (a bobble hat is a good idea if you think you will stay 'heads-up'). If you feel inspired by this session, then it should set you up to safely make use of regular dips in the Lido and other local waters.

HEALTH NOTE

By purchasing a ticket for this event, you are confirming that you are physically fit and healthy enough to take part in cold water swimming. In particular, respiratory, heart or circulatory conditions can be an issue. If you have any concerns or underlying medical conditions, then please discuss these with a medical professional and also contact the organiser to discuss them and speak to your coach on the day BEFORE entering the water.

Ticket Purchase, Cancellations and Refunds.

Tickets can only be purchased one at a time for the named person only and are not transferrable without first contacting the organiser. It is important that the named individual has agreed to the content of the health note before attending the course.

If you can no longer attend the event, and more than 24 hours' notice is given, then a refund can be issued, but it will be minus the Eventbrite fees charged to the organiser. Refunds will not be issued for less than 24 hours' notice of non-attendance as this does not give time to transfer the space to someone else.

In the unlikely event that a session has to be cancelled by us, we will first attempt to offer an alternative date; a refund for that session will only be issued if this is not possible. Eventbrite's own booking fees cannot be refunded.

Host or Publisher Alec Richardson