News / floating harbour
Wild swimming returning to harbour after ‘hugely popular’ pilot
Swimming sessions are making a return to the Floating Harbour after a five-week pilot which began in April.
During the trial, which was located outside the Cottage pub in Baltic Wharf, swimmers were able take a dip in a cordoned-off area for £7 at certain times during weekends.
Marvin Rees, writing in his blog, said the scheme was “hugely popular”, receiving a total of 920 bookings with all slots selling out in advance.
is needed now More than ever
The mayor then announced another round of public swim sessions for four more weekends starting on September 9.
? After our successful first pilot saw 653 swimmers take to the water, #Bristol‘s Harbour Swimming sessions are back next month
⛵ We’re working with @UswimOpenwater, @AAWatersports, Open Minds Active, and @SwimBrizHarbour
? Find out more and book now: https://t.co/PP0QXdZ263 pic.twitter.com/6jlYxzj3Ne
— Marvin Rees (@MarvinJRees) August 29, 2023
“Initial feedback from the more than 650 swimmers was very positive with the majority being very satisfied with their harbour swimming experience and keen to return for more sessions in the future,” Rees wrote.
He added: “These additional sessions will allow us to monitor interest in swims during the cooler months, as we move towards the autumn, alongside costs, and any impact on our ability to maintain a safe environment throughout our harbour.
“If demand and interest in the swims continues, and we’re able to maintain a safe and financially self-sustaining open water swimming area in Bristol harbour, we will look into options for how we can provide swim sessions on a regular basis for spring/summer 2024.”
Swimming sessions were held in the harbour during the spring – photo: Betty Woolerton
For the second pilot, the swim fee has risen to £7.50 per person, which covers the costs of improving the registration system with wristbands as well as provision of water safety measures.
The scheme was launched after calls to scrap a ban on swimming in the harbour and River Avon.
In 2021, campaigners from Swim Bristol Harbour repeatedly swam in the Cumberland Basin to call for the waters to be officially opened up to the public.
September and October’s swim sessions will run from 8am to 10am Saturdays and Sundays and must be booked in advance via the Wild booking platform
Main photo: Mia Vines Booth
Read next:
- The story of a hidden 18th century swimming pool in Montpelier
- Swimmers brave the cold in first day of harbour swimming pilot
- Sewage spill at popular swimming spot reignites calls for change in law
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