Please remember that open water swimming is with nature, and so come rain or shine, we swim. This does mean you need to come prepared for the weather conditions on the day of your course. ALWAYS bring loose fitting, easy to put on, warm clothing. Suitable for all abilities.

BOOKINGS & CANCELLATION POLICY
By booking the taster course you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
Bookings must be made by the attendee - in the attendees name.
If you are booking for someone under the age of 18, their booking is to be in their name and yours to be separate in your name.
Rescheduling - you can change your booked date with a minimum of 14 days notice.
Cancellation with 30 days notice will receive a full refund less payment processing fees (usually around 2.5%)
Refunds are arranged once a month, usually at the end of each month.
Cancellations made within the above notice periods are non-refundable.
You must contact us in writing to advise a cancellation or request a reschedule.

AGE & ABILITY FOR OPEN WATER TASTER COURSE
You are required to be a competant pool swimmer, and be able to swim at least 25m in the pool.
If you are just learning to swim, start in the pool then take it to open water.
You will only swim a time and distance capable of your ability. Our course leaders will help you with this.
You will have your own swim kit.
Attendees must be 14 years and over for this type of swim session.
Anyone aged 14-17 years old must be accompanied by a participating parent/guardian. 

FACILITIES AVAILABLE
Toilets.
Changing available in our disabled toilet.
Store room for kit bags during swim (incase it rains).
Free onsite car parking for those who have booked - please note that your cars and any valuables are left at your own risk.
Please arrive swim ready (swimming costume/trunks on under clothes, any additional wear can be put on lakeside).
Please ensure you have suitable equipment to allow you to change following your swim.
Standard swim kit required (see website)
Free Ocean Walker Swim Cap provided.

REFRESHMENTS
You are not permitted to bring your own refreshments onto site.
Hot drinks and freshly home baked cakes are available to purchase from the Wellbeing Barn.
Please bring cash for purchasing refreshments.

WELLBEING BARN
This is where the theory session will take place before the swim, and where you can purchase refreshments afterward.
Shoes, coats and kit bags to be left at the designated area.
This is a DRY ZONE - you must have dried off and changed into dry clothing before entry.

SOCIAL DISTANCING
Covid is still about, and some people are more vunerable than others - so we do require you to follow the rules below while at our venue so that everyone feels protected.
1. Wear a face covering (bring your own) when signing in at reception and also when placing an order for refreshments in the Wellbeing Barn.
2. Stay at least 2m away from Ocean Walker Academy team members indoors and outdoors.
3. Wash your hands!
4. Don't attend if you feel unwell / have cold or flu symptoms or think you may have Covid. Not only would swimming in cold water make you feel worse if your immune system is struggling, but you would be putting others at risk by socialising.
5. We urge you to take a lateral flow test on the day of the course. If you test positive, we will ofcourse move you to an alternative date.

NON-SWIMMERS
No spectators on site during courses.

Our main gates will be closed during your course - so if someone is dropping you off, please ensure they dont worry if they arrive back to pick you up and the gates are still closed. They will be opened once the course is completed and the first person is ready to leave.

NO SMOKING
We are a no smoking/vaping venue, this includes the car park. Anyone caught smoking will be asked to leave.

EVERYONE is required to abide by our venue rules this is for your safety and your enjoyment. If we feel that someone is not following our guidance during their visit, they will be asked to leave the venue. If this is a non-swimmer, the swimmer will be required to finish their swim so that they can leave site.

ADVERSE WEATHER
In the event of adverse weather conditions, Ocean Walker Academy reserve the right to cancel a session - giving as much notice as possible to the attendees. If this occurs then the session will run on an alternative date (you will not lose your booking).

Please do not call/email with concerns over the weather. We will only cancel a session if it is deemed unsafe in the world of open water swimming.
If you decide that the weather is not for you, and our session runs as usual, then our usual t&c's apply.