Although the Kenwood ponds are not truly ‘wild’, there is a vast difference between swimming in open water and in a swimming pool. The water is deep and can feel very cold, even experienced swimmers are sometimes surprised to find that they can’t see or feel the bottom. The lifeguards will be very happy to offer advice and support to new pond swimmers.
The water temperature is measured every day. ‘Winter’ swimming begins when the temperature drops below 12 degrees centigrade. At this point the swimming area is reduced to avoid swimmers experiencing difficulties in the cold when they are too far away from the lifeguards’ station.
Summer swimming resumes when the temperature again rises consistently to more than 12 degrees centigrade.
The Outdoor Swimming Society is an invaluable source of advice and news about outdoor swimming.