S.A.F.E Cymru is an accreditation that has been developed with partners for partners, and is built on decades of our own experience and invaluable feedback from operators and end customers. 

Our world class accreditation will help all facilities further promote and progress open water swimming safely and provide the necessary resources and standards which facilities need to meet to ensure safe participation in Wales.

S.A.F.E Cymru will aim to promote safety and enjoyment in open water swimming through four key strategic objectives:

• Safe Facilities: A national governing body accreditation designed with a supportive and continuous assessment process.
• Advice & Guidance: The latest up to date information, support and advice from national governing bodies on open water swimming for participants at all levels.
• Education & Training: A fully resourced and expansive training programme to support both the operational workforce at facilities and our participants at all levels.
• Participation: A clear pathway in Wales that helps our nation enjoy, participate, learn and compete in open water swimming.

Swimmer Guidance

Open water swimming can include rivers, lakes, natural pools, lochs and the sea. There is a big difference between swimming in a pool and swimming outdoors and there is an even higher risk of drowning when swimming in the sea.

If you do decide to go open water swimming, we recommend the following:

• Never swim alone: Always go with someone else to a familiar spot. 
• Always check the weather forecast, including tide information and wave height. 
• If in doubt, stay out: There is always another day to go for a swim. 
• Take plenty of warm clothes for before and after your dip, along with a hot drink to help you warm up again when you come out of the water.
• Wearing a wetsuit will help increase your buoyancy and reduce the chances of suffering cold water shock.
• Be seen: Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and consider using a tow float but should not be relied upon.
• Acclimatise to the water temperature slowly and never jump straight in.
• Stay in your depth and know your limits.
• If you get into trouble remember float to live by leaning back in the water, extending your arms and legs, and resisting the urge to thrash around to gain control of your breathing.
• Take a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
• f you or someone else is in trouble call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

For more guidence click here

SAFE Cymru Enrolment Form

Download form here.

For further information or to return your enrolment form, please contact us at safe-cymru@swimming.org or Hope Filby on 07970 117 500.