Open-water laps at HYMB: a brisk, expert-only plunge into Cheshunt’s lake

CHESHUNT WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Open-water laps at HYMB: a brisk, expert-only plunge into Cheshunt’s lake

Guided open-water swim sessions at Herts Young Mariners Base for experienced swimmers aged 14 and up, offered Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings — this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.

Open-water laps at HYMB: a brisk, expert-only plunge into Cheshunt’s lake.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Cheshunt
Operator
Herts Young Mariners Base
Category
Water Activities
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

At Herts Young Mariners Base in Cheshunt you’ll find a well-maintained lake set up for open-water swimming: a simple, focused environment where experienced swimmers can drop in for a structured swim session, use indoor changing facilities and grab a hot drink afterwards.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LAKE

A tidy open-water venue for trained swimmers

HYMB’s lake is maintained for open-water use and is offered as a place to ‘take a dip at your leisure’ — an uncomplicated setting aimed at swimmers who already have open-water experience.

THE SCHEDULE

Two weekly windows: early Saturday and Wednesday evening

Sessions run on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, providing a longer evening option midweek and a concentrated morning block at the weekend to suit weekday or weekend routines.

FACILITIES

Changing rooms, refreshments and water-safety cover

The site provides indoor changing rooms, toilets, free parking and refreshments such as tea, coffee and hot chocolate, alongside water-safety provisions to support the swim sessions.

What the day feels like

What the session feels like

Expect a straightforward open-water session: arrive, use the indoor changing facilities to kit up, enter the lake for coached or self-directed laps within the available session window, then dry off and warm up with refreshments on site.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this session suits — and who should look elsewhere.

1
Experienced open-water swimmersA direct match: sessions are intended for swimmers who already have open-water experience and can manage lake conditions independently.
2
Teens (14+)Allowed if they are 14 or older and have prior open-water experience — youthful swimmers can attend provided they meet the experience requirement.
3
Novice swimmersNot ideal: the programme requires prior open-water experience, so beginners should seek training sessions before attending.
4
Families with younger childrenUnsuitable for younger children under 14; families should note the age restriction and the expectation of prior open-water experience.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring a towel, a change of clothes, swimming gear and a swim hat.

On-site facilities

Facilities include free parking, toilets, indoor changing rooms, water safety provision and refreshments (tea, coffee and hot chocolate).

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What ages can attend?

Participants must be aged 14 years or older.

Do I need prior open-water experience?

Yes — the sessions are for swimmers who already have open-water swimming experience.

When are the sessions held?

Sessions open Saturday mornings (from 7:30 a.m.) and Wednesday evenings (from 5:00 p.m.).

How long are the sessions?

Saturday morning sessions run up to 2 hours 15 minutes; Wednesday evening sessions run up to 3.5 hours.

What facilities are available on site?

The base provides free parking, toilets, indoor changing rooms, water-safety cover and refreshments such as tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

What should I bring to the session?

Bring your swimming kit, a swim hat, a towel and a change of clothes.