Plunge into Princes Dock this summer.
As the temperature rises, it’s getting harder to resist the urge to throw ourselves into the nearest body of water. Thankfully, come next month an urban open water swimming facility is set to open at Princes Dock to provide a unique destination for us to take a dip in.
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WeSwimRun, which organises open water swimming and running events across North Wales and provides coaching in open water swimming, will be utilising the dock as an urban swimming facility, which can be used by local residents and visitors to Liverpool Waters. Public swimming sessions will take place from August 2 at the new 500m course at Princes Dock and there will be an introduction to open water swimming course happening every Tuesday in August at 5.30pm.
Swimmers can buy a monthly pass for £20 giving them unlimited access to all the 14 sessions during August, which will run on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Tuesday mornings. WeSwimRun will also use Princes Dock to host a range of organised events and races, as well as 1 to 1 coaching with session times to be announced soon.
The move comes after an increased number of reports, during the warm weather, of people swimming in open water including canals, docks and rivers across Merseyside. The 500m course in Princes Dock will be clearly marked out so that swimmers can swim safely in laps around the dock, as well as a short 100m course, surrounded by the impressive backdrop of the world-famous Liverpool skyline and nearby cruise ships.
The water quality in Princes Dock, which is approximately 40% salt water and 60% fresh water, will be tested regularly and aerated pumps will help to keep the water moving. As well as public swimming sessions, WeSwimRun will host a charity open water swimming event at Princes Dock on August 14, as part of a UK wide fundraising initiative called Lakes For Level Water. The national event will take place at various open water swimming venues across the UK in aid of Level Water, a charity that teaches disabled children to swim.
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Mike Alexander, founder and coach at WeSwimRun, said: “Open water swimming has increased in popularity over recent months as more people have sought a release from the tensions of the day. It is a wonderful past time and is a fantastic way to keep a healthy mind and body. Our new facility at Princes Dock provides a really special location within an urban environment and is surrounded by spectacular views along the waterfront at Liverpool Waters.
“Our public swimming sessions will provide a safe place to learn how to swim outdoors and, for those looking for something more challenging, we will provide a range of events and races for people to get involved in. Our charity event in August would be a great place to start and we have lots of places still available.”
Liza Marco, Asset Manager at Peel L&P’s Liverpool Waters, commented: “According to Swim England, open water swimming provides a real boost to people’s mental health so when swimming pools were closed during lockdown, many people took the plunge and started swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea.
“WeSwimRun is opening an incredible facility at Princes Dock, which will provide the perfect place for local residents and visitors to Liverpool Waters to come and let off steam at the end of the day and to experience the exhilaration of open water swimming in a safe environment.”
Another nearby place for open water swimming, also run by WeSwimRun, is located at Collingwood Dock. To buy a monthly swim pass or to book an introduction to outdoor swimming, visit the WeSwimRun website here.