About

Stretham Wild Swim is an open water swim facility based at Hannam’s Wake Hub, off the A10 in Stretham, north of Cambridge. Set in an ‘Excellent’ quality, crystal-clear lake in the fens with toilets, changing rooms and free parking; for Spring/Summer we have a lifeguarded 400m lap.

Outdoor café is available on site for hot drinks or ice creams after your swim.

Booking and Session Times

Sessions must be pre-booked online through our website hannamswakehub.wakesys.com just select the Stretham Wild Swim option and choose your date and time. You will need to sign up on the system the first time. Credit can be added to your Wakesys account for snacks afterwards.

Sessions will be running Wednesday & Friday evenings 6pm - dusk and Sunday morning 8-10am (please note the session times may be subject to change, full session details and availability can be checked through the booking system).

Wild Swimming

There are great benefits to immersing yourself in open water in the right conditions, so if you would like to experience the benefits of Wild Swimming in a safe, lifeguarded environment with ‘Excellent’ water quality, then book yourself in as above and come along to feel invigorated!

Site/Safety Rules

All swimmers must be confident in deep open water and be able to swim 400m without stopping.

All swimmers must be physically fit and have no pre-existing medical conditions that would affect them swimming in open water.

All swim sessions must be pre-booked online; on arrival sign in at reception; then check in to and out of the water lakeside.

Bright coloured swim caps/hats are compulsory. (Please bring your own, none available on site).

Tow floats are compulsory for swimming without a wetsuit and are recommended for novice swimmers and when swimming in colder temperatures. (Please bring your own, none available on site).

Minimum age is 14, but 14/15 Year olds can only swim with adult, guardian supervision in the lake, with a 1:1 ratio.

Do not swim if you are feeling unwell or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you become unwell during a session alert a member of staff.

Only enter and exit the water at the dock, unless otherwise advised by a member of staff or you need to exit more urgently.

In the event you get into difficulty during the swim session, you must roll on to your back and signal for rescue by waving an arm in the air. In the event of seeing another swimmer getting into difficulty, you should alert a lifeguard.

Acclimatise yourself to the water temperature before starting your swim and listen to your body and mind for when it is time to stop swimming.

Lifeguards will be on duty during swim sessions, you must listen to their instructions and exit the water if asked to do so for example for safety/weather reasons.

At no time during the swim session should you climb on the Aqua Park in the centre of the lake.

You acknowledge that the lake is a natural environment. Lake banks may be slippery and there may be sharp objects underfoot. There are buoys and ropes within the water which must be avoided. If you do not feel comfortable with these hazards then you should not swim in this open water environment.

There will be NO REFUNDS if you are unable to come to the session.

Please remember to swim responsibly and be mindful of others.

The decision to cancel or postpone swimming with regard to water temperature, visibility, weather conditions or other related matters rests with Stretham Wild Swim.

Recommended Equipment

Wetsuit and bright coloured swim cap

A swim buoy, if not swimming in a wetsuit or a novice

Towel!

Location

We are based at Hannam’s Wake Hub (Cambridge Aqua Park) off the A10 at the Lazy Otter Layby, Stretham, nearest postcode CB6 3LU.

Once you have gone over the bridge take the road on your left down into the farm (towards the Glasshouse) follow the road with the Glasshouse on your right and continue onto the farm track until you see the buildings and car park for Cambridge Aqua Park. Once you have arrived please check-in at the aqua park reception.