FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our Summer outdoor swim programme runs from 13th April until 21st September (Neon Night Swim).

We welcome members, day pass and pay-on-day swimmers at our venues.

Swim Times

Dock 9, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ

Saturdays, 8-11am (Online closes Fri 5pm)

Wednesdays, 5.00-7.30pm (Online closes Wed 10am)

Boundary Water Park, Allostock, Cheshire, CW4 8HT

Sundays 10-1pm (closes Sat 5pm) Extends to 1pm from June

Thursdays, 5.00-7.30pm (closes Thurs 10am)

Entry

Members (Pre-booked online): £7 Adult, £2 Squid (7-15yrs)

Day Pass (Pre-booked online): £10 Adults, £5 Child (7-15yrs)

Pay-On-Day: £10 Adults, £5 Child (7-15 year olds), £2 (under 7's)

Safety

We require swimmers to wear either bright swim caps or/and tow-floats. Both are available at the venues.

For safety towfloats are required for swimming on the 750m+ swim courses.

Memberships (until 21st September)

Which is the best option for you?

Gold enables members to pay a 'one-off' up front fee of £ 325.00, which enable you to swim at either Dock 9 or Boundary without pre-booking. These memberships will be limited in number due to their popularity.

Bronze (£12.50) and allows members to pre-book swims online at the discounted rate.

Squid (7-15 years) £10.00 and allows members to have swims pre-booked for them by guardians. 

Pay-On-Day are welcome to swim at anytime without pre booking. Turn up to swim. Cash only!

Note that if your a member and you forget to pre book, you pay the Pay-on-day price. 

Adult £10.00, 7-15yrs £5.00, Under 7's £2.00 (cash only). 

Day Pass can be pre-booked online

Adult £10.00, 7-15yrs £5.00

Beginners We offer Introduction sessions that will give you all the information to get you started in a supported environment. Whether its an open water event you've booked OR you want the health benefits OR you want the social side. We cover it all.

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1 5's and Under: Are permitted to swim on their own without a chaperone in the water as long as they are competent and confident swimmers and stay on the 400m loops. 

7 years and Under must be accompanied at all times in the water by a responsible adult (16+yrs). 

Booking Your Swim: Our system will enable you to book multiple swims for more than one person at a time at reduced prices. These can be booked via our 'open water sessions' link from the beginning of March. 

Check carefully before you book your session because there are strictly no refunds or transfers. If you have made an error please do not contact us  as your email will not be answered.

Multi book and save! Buy 10 and only pay for 8* 

*The same member only can buy 10 swims on pre-booked dates only

You cannot buy 10 swims and share them with friends/other members. No transfers under any circumstances available.

The Swim Process:  The same at Dock 9, Salford Quays & Boundary Water Park

• On Arrival: Please be as ready as possible. There are limited changing facilities provided, bring as little baggage as possible

• Changing areas: Usually open air

Dock 9: Open air. 

Boundary: Changing cabin.

Minimise kit:   There will be a designated, uncovered area to place small essential items.

Be self-sufficient:  Staff are unable to hold personal belongings such as keys/ rings / phones. This is when your tow-floats come in handy or, alternatively pop your key in your shoes. 

Write your 2024 Membership number on your hand before you check in to help speed up the process. Note that 'no number no swim' as this is your safety. Pay on day swimmers will be provided with a number on the day. 

Toilets: Dock 9 - Available in the Lowry Outlet Centre. Boundary Water Park located in the cabin.

Parking:

Boundary: Free at the venue.

Dock 9: is available at Dock 9 in the Quayside Car Park (M50 3AH, Lowry Outlet). 

If local to either venue please make every effort by cycling, walking or using public transport. 

Cyclists: Firstly, great that you're cycling to the swim! At Dock 9 bring your own lock and lock your bike on the white railings in the bund swim area. For security we recommend that you do not leave your bike in unsupervised areas outside of these areas such as on public paths or roads. At Boundary use the provided racking in the swim area. 

Swim Courses: Venues offer 100/ 400/ 800m (Boundary) and 250 / 500 / 750m and 1 km when water safety available (Dock 9). We also have dipping areas for those less confident. Note the length of course open depends on temperature and staffing.

Tow-floats are OPTIONAL except for children and newbies and swimmers on 750m+ swim courses at our venues. 

They are not a life saving piece of equipment but add to visibility for the safety team and also you can take a moments rest if required by using them to support you briefly. They are available to purchase on site and a small collection to borrow- first come first served so you may need to wait.

Wetsuit Hire: Available at both venues on a 'first come, first served' basis. No pre-booking is required. Hire cost is Adults £10+£20 cash deposit, 7-15yrs £5+£15 deposit. 

Essential swim kits such as bright swim caps, goggles, earplugs, tow-floats, body-glide are also available to purchase. 

Water Safety & Quality: There will be a powerboat/ kayak for support at most sessions as well as first aid trained land crew. If you were to get into difficulty and required support the crew would assess this and support you to get to the water side (i.e. if suffering from cramp you would be supported to relax until it passes).  The water at our venues is regularly quality-tested to meet strict EU Bathing Directives. 

You, the swimmers: As venue providers we can only do so much so it is up to you, as an individual, to make an informed decision about swimming. Do not put yourself and others at any risk if you are feeling unwell.

If you have any medical condition that requires medication such as Asthma, or Type 1 Diabetes, Heart condition please ensure you have your inhaler/insulin/hypo treatment on you. You can leave this in a water proof bag with your name on with staff. If you often require your inhaler whilst swimming, take this out on the courses with you (in your float or down your wetsuit) 

Open Water Coaching / Triathlon / 121 's / Group

 available to help you to swim the very best you can our experienced Coaches provide regular sessions throughout the Summer.

Finally if you do have any feedback about any aspect of Uswim please email sales@uswimopenwater.com