This block booking is for six consecutive Saturdays: 17th/7, 24th/7, 31st/7, 7th/8, 14th/8 &21st/8. If we need to cancel (due to the weather for example) we have saved 28th/8 as a backup.

Due to the unforeseen circumstances we ask you to please get changed, before and after, away from the beach. This is to reduce infection risk from loitering as groups arrive and leave. Please also meet on the beach by the PeteWilbyTriathlOn and Swimathon flags at the start of the session. When you book, declare you and your junior has not had any COVID-19 symptoms. Please also be prepared to maintain a safe (1m+) distance from staff and other participants during the session and whilst you watch from the beach. Steps have been taken to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19 whilst we are still able to provide emergency support in the water.

Level 3 award in open water swimming further develops the skills needed to train or compete in open water.

It introduces longer distances, better sighting, and simulated race situations.

The course this year is five weeks long (45 minute sessions). Each session involves swimming at high intensity with the aim to become a faster open water swimmer.

The level three award consists of the following criteria:

DRY SIDE:

1. Demonstrate correct use of personal equipment for the conditions of the swim.
2. Answer three questions correctly on the following safety topics: weather, temperature, safety personnel, hypothermia and over-heating.
3. Give two examples of symptoms that should be reported to a healthcare professional if they are experienced after swimming in open water.

IN THE WATER:

1. Enter the water safely and demonstrate effective acclimatisation.
2. Perform a mass start in the water.
3. Complete a 100 metres front crawl circle swim while sighting regularly to a point designated by the teacher or coach.
4. Swim a minimum of 200 metres front crawl in a pack formation, demonstrating: line drafting, arrowhead drafting, close proximity swimming, overtaking and turning around a buoy.
5. Perform a race finish between two points.
6. Exit the water safely following venue procedures.
7. Complete a simulated race of a minimum of 400 metres, demonstrating effective use of open water skills, including: starting, drafting, sighting, turning, feeding, overtaking, pack swimming, safety awareness and finishing.