Access Statement
Here at Suzanna Swims, we want to make sure that our activities are as inclusive as possible, and we aim to make sure everyone can enjoy our beautiful lakes and walks. Although we welcome everyone, irrespective of background and ability, please note that some of our activities may not be suitable for those with physical disabilities. Our activities take place in the countryside and there are a number of factors outside of our control (such as depth of a lake, weather, terrain, gradient etc) which means our wild swimming or hikes may not be suitable for everyone.
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In the first instance, we will always try to work with you to make reasonable adjustments to an activity and come to a sensitive solution. If this isn’t possible, then we reserve the right to decline a booking if we feel that there may be a danger to yourself or others. We hope that you understand and accept any decisions we make in the interests of your own safety. If you have any concerns about our activities and its suitability for your physical ability, or if you need further information about an activity before booking, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Booking
Before booking your activity, please read the activity description carefully – it will tell you the time, location, and who it’s aimed at (e.g. beginners, people with wild swim experience, those who want to push themselves etc). If you’re still not sure if an activity is right for you, then please contact us and we’ll be happy to provide further information. Before booking, please make sure you’re happy that you have the level of fitness and ability necessary for your chosen activity – if you’re not sure, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.
There are certain activities that we may be able to make adjustments to, to enable you to take part safely. However, as we work within the constraints of the great outdoors (terrain, lake depth, gradients during walks etc), then this may not always be possible. Unfortunately, many local routes to our lakes may be unsuitable for mobility scooters or wheelchair users, but we’re happy to discuss individual requirements and suggest alternative routes to the lake/activity starting point (if available).
Pre-arrival
We want every one of our customers to have a relaxing and enjoyable time with us – that’s why we’ll liaise with you to gain a deeper understanding of your needs and carry out any necessary risk assessments.
Our activities start from varying locations; information about timings and meeting points are on each activity’s booking page on the website, plus we’ll also email you any extra information you need to know before the activity begins.
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Group events
Wild swimming
All our wild swimming activities take place in open water and vary in location and duration. Due to the outdoor nature of the swim, the lakes may be rocky underfoot or the shore may fall away suddenly. We will always explain to you the features of the lake we’re in, to the best of our knowledge, but please note that lakes can be unpredictable and we can’t predict the weather, or waves, or if the terrain under the water has changed – however, we will always assess the environment before an activity to make sure it’s safe to swim.
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Walking
Where walking is part of our wild swim activity, this will always be stated on the activity booking page. We won’t be climbing up mountains, but you should be comfortable walking on rocky terrain and loose paths. We try to follow defined tracks and paths, though being in the Lake District, these can often be rough and muddy.
Please note: depending on the weather, sometimes we might need to move an activity to a different location or cancel altogether. In case of cancellation, you’ll be offered the option to move to a new date or a credit note.
You’ll also be told at the time of booking what equipment you’ll need to bring with you – please check your event booking email/the booking webpage for full kit requirements.
Swim yoga retreats
The yoga part of our retreat normally takes place indoors, followed by a short walk and swim. As with our wild swimming and walking activities, you’ll need to make sure that you have a basic level of fitness, but please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any queries. We may be able to make adjustments to the retreat to enable you to participate, but please note that this may not always be possible.
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Swim Walk Holidays
Other
Arrival & Facilities
Facilities vary depending upon the starting point of our wild swim/walk. Some of our activities may start/finish near a railway station or on a bus route, and most of the lakes will provide car parking nearby. There are not usually public toilets near the lakes or on our walks, although toilets may available at rest stops (if included in your activity). We will be happy to give you detailed information for your selected activity or discuss any special requirements you might have.
Buildings
All our activities take place outdoors (with the except of the yoga sessions in our Swim Yoga Retreats), but we do use café and pubs as a stop for refreshments on some of our longer activities – if you’d like any information on any of our stops prior to that activity, please just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
If there’s anything we’ve missed, or if you require any more information, or if you have specific requirements you’d like to enquire about, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! We love hearing from you, and we’ll always listen to feedback and do our best to answer any questions.