The site in Hounslow was closed off to swimmers several years ago
Open water swimming at the lakes was banned previously(Image: Hounslow Council)
Londoners can once again enjoy open water swimming at a former landfill in West London.
Managed swim sessions have been launched in the southside lakes of Bedfont Lakes Country Park in Hounslow for the first time in a number of years. As summers in the city get increasingly hotter, many people are looking for somewhere to cool down in the heat.
Open water swimming has grown in popularity in recent years, and it will be available all year round in Hounslow. The launch follows work by Hounslow Council, Lampton Greenspace and specialist operator Howl Multisports to ensure the site can operate safely with managed sessions, qualified supervision and regular water-quality monitoring.
The council says it has done “rigorous checks” to ensure that the water is safe to swim in, having previously been banned. The ban has been lifted now the council has secured a provider to manage supervised sessions.
Trained staff from Howl Multisports will oversee the sessions, having previously been managed by Love Open Water. Howl Multisports operates another open water swimming venue at Lakeside Country Park in Eastleigh, Hampshire.
Sessions will initially run all year round on selected Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, subject to demand. Swimmers will be able to choose from different route lengths around the lake and will be supported by trained safety staff, both on the water and at the shoreline.
The swim site is accessed from Challenge Road in Feltham and on the western side of the railway line. Bookings are available through the National Open Water Coaching and Aquatics network app – costing £7 per person. Facilities at the venue include free parking and changing rooms.
Cllr Shaheen (Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Public Realm at Hounslow Council, said: “We’re delighted to bring managed open water swimming to Bedfont Lakes. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to enjoy one of our borough’s most beautiful outdoor spaces in a new way, while supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.
“Open water swimming has become increasingly popular across London, and we’re proud to offer a safe, professionally managed experience here in Hounslow.”
Historically, the area was known for its market gardens and orchards – including supplying apples and pears to Covent Garden Market in Central London. From the 1950s, the site was repurposed as a landfill until 1973.
By the late 1980s the site underwent a transformation to create a parkland of lakes, woodland and grassland. In 1995, the park formally opened to the public and was declared a nature conservation and a local wildlife site.
During the May and June heatwaves, at least 22 people died in open water incidents across the UK. To promote safety and prevent swimming at off times, Hounslow Council says it has installed signage around the lakes in addition to park staff regularly patrolling the area.
Open water swimming is suitable for confident swimmers and is not intended for beginners or anyone learning to swim. Places are available for adults and eligible youth triathletes, subject to operator requirements.
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