August 22nd, 2019

Winter Swimming in the Mixed Pond

As in other years those who want to swim in the Mixed Pond after the end of the season can join the Hampstead Heath Winter Swimming Club (Information can be obtained from the secretary,  Marc Hutchinson,  marchutch54@gmail.com  and is also on the board outside the pond. )

The HHWSC is quite separate from the MPA although many MPA members belong to it. Its function is primarily to provide the legal framework which allows members to swim in the Mixed Pond without life guards when it is closed to the public. 

The City of London which manages the Heath and its ponds gives the club a license to use the pond on certain conditions, most importantly that only members swim, that they swim only in permitted hours, they sign in and out, do not swim entirely alone and keep  the gates locked at all times.

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A protracted legal case was required to persuade the City to agree to the club and there is always a danger that the license might be withdrawn if the conditions are not respected. The club has been running fairly smoothly for over ten years with a gradual rise in membership but last winter there was a sharp increase in  people joining which was unfortunately accompanied by an increase in problems.

On many occasions the gates were left unlocked both when people were in the water and after they had left and it was  evident that some members were giving out the secret lock code to other people. These  issues are serious not only because major breaches in the  agreement with the City could lead to  the license being refused in future but also because they are a very real safety issue for members if gates are left open.
   
As a result the HHWSC discussed at its AGM proposals to limit membership. The meeting decided not to do so this winter but to try to address the problems in other ways and reconsider the question next year. So, we would like to urge any of you who are winter Mixed Pond swimmers to be careful about signing in and locking the gates and to challenge anyone you may see breaking these rules or inviting in non-members.  Locking the gates is, of course, essential but signing is also useful and not just a bureaucratic rule because it helps members to see when they can be reasonably sure of company, it provides evidence for the numbers using the club and it provides a record in case of  any event that needs investigation.  ​

Swimming Walks

There are many places around London where it is possible to swim in natural waters and combining such swims with a good walk makes for a great day out. The book Wild Swimming Walks  provides some examples and for anyone seeking companions it’s worth knowing there is a Facebook group Swim Walks where you can see walks and also short swimming holidays that you can join.  Most are arranged by Philip Nice who set up the group but other people can and sometimes do use the group to arrange walks.  

​Philip’s walks are very varied and those of us who have been on them can thoroughly recommend them.  You do not need to  go with anyone as everyone is very welcoming to newcomers.