%20Transparent%20background.png)
Wild Swimming at Fairhaven
Dive into the exhilarating world of wild outdoor swimming at Fairhaven Garden, set in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a complete beginner, our sessions are led by experienced instructors to ensure a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience.
Cold water swimming is known to offer a wide range of benefits, including improved circulation, enhanced mood, reduced stress, increased resilience, and overall well-being. Many swimmers also report better sleep and a natural boost in energy after each session.
Our swimming season runs from April to September, subject to safe conditions. Sessions may be cancelled or adapted if the water temperature falls below 8°C, where the risks of cold shock and hypothermia increase significantly. We regularly test water quality, and if algae levels exceed safe limits, sessions may also be postponed or cancelled, learn more about our testing below.
Swim Sessions
Members’ Sessions (Free): Wednesday evenings: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Members’ Sessions (Free): Saturday mornings: 8:30am – 10:30am
Public Sessions: Wednesdays & Saturdays £12 per person
Over 18s only
Introductory Sessions
We offer dedicated introductory sessions for those new to wild swimming: Wednesdays: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Completion of an introductory session is essential before attending open swim sessions, ensuring you understand water safety, cold water exposure, and site-specific risks.
[Book here and check availability] to secure your swim!
At Fairhaven, we are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors who take part in wild swimming and enjoy the benefits of wild swimming in a beautiful natural setting.
Please be aware that open water swimming carries inherent risks.
All participants swim at their own risk and must take responsibility for their own safety at all times.
Your Safety Matters
Before entering the water, please ensure that you:
-
Are confident in your swimming ability
-
Understand the risks of cold water and open water environments
-
Use appropriate safety equipment such as a tow float or buoyancy aid
-
Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
-
Avoid swimming alone
Cold water, sudden depth changes, slippery surfaces, and natural hazards such as weeds or underwater obstacles can all pose dangers.
We regularly monitor water quality and will cancel sessions if conditions are unsafe.
Important
By entering the water, you confirm that you understand and accept the risks associated with wild swimming.
Full Terms & Conditions
👉 Click here for full Terms & Conditions for Wild Swimming
Learn More About Wild Swimming & Safety
If you’re interested in learning more about wild swimming, safety, and cold water immersion, we recommend the following resources:
-
👉 Wild Swimming Health & Safety Guide:
https://www.wildswimming.co.uk/health-safety/ -
👉 Outdoor swimming safety advice (UK-based guidance):
https://www.rlss.org.uk/pages/category/open-water-swimming -
👉 General cold water swimming information and guidance:
https://www.britishtriathlon.org/british-triathlon/open-water-swimming
Understanding Blue-Green Algae
One of our top priorities is regularly monitoring the water quality of South Walsham Inner Broad, particularly in relation to blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), which can sometimes appear in freshwater bodies during the warmer months. Blue-green algae are naturally occurring organisms found in many lakes and rivers across the UK. Despite the name, they are technically a type of bacteria and while most types are harmless, some can produce toxins when in bloom. These blooms typically gather at the water’s edge or in sheltered areas, often blown in by the wind. Importantly, not all blue-green algae are toxic, and the presence of algae does not always indicate a risk. Human health concerns are primarily linked to high concentrations of specific toxic strains, particularly during bloom events.
Here is a list of Algae Species found in our waters and the risk levels explained.
Monitoring & Safety Standards
We follow guidance set by the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends that recreational waters should remain open for swimming and other water-based activities as long as blue-green algae levels stay below 100,000 cells per millilitre. You can read more about the WHO’s guidance on safe recreational water use here: WHO Guidelines on Recreational Water Quality
To meet this standard and provide transparency, we have a regular water testing regime in place throughout the season. Water samples are collected and sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
This allows us to:
-
Monitor for the presence and concentration of blue-green algae.
-
Track seasonal trends and respond quickly if levels change.
-
Make informed decisions about safety and whether swimming or water access should be temporarily paused.
Recent Test Results
We carry out regular water quality testing from July to September each year, when conditions are most likely to change due to warmer temperatures, increased rainfall, and higher levels of visitor activity.
Up until July 2025, all results over the past four years have consistently shown algae levels well below the WHO safety threshold, with no need for closures or restrictions.
View Quick Overview Chart 2022-2024
We continue to monitor the water closely and will update visitors immediately if any risks are identified. Please check our social media channels and inboxes regularly for the latest news and updates.
📄 Download our most recent water quality certificate here:
Your Safety Matters
Although toxic algae blooms are rare in our swimming area, we always advise the following precautions:
-
Avoid swimming near the banks or edges of the Broad, where algae tends to accumulate
-
Do not allow dogs or children to drink or paddle in shallow, stagnant water
-
Always follow on-site signage and any instructions from staff
We recommend that all swimmers and watersports users review the latest water quality reports and make their own informed decisions about whether to enter the water. Each individual should assess their own level of risk and comfort before taking part in any activities.
Please note: In the event that any water test exceeds the acceptable WHO threshold, we will immediately suspend all swimming and in-water activity until levels return to a safe standard. We reserve the right to take necessary action to protect visitor safety, including ending or restricting activities as required.
If you have any questions about current conditions or would like more details about our water testing programme, please don’t hesitate to contact us or speak to a member of our team during your visit.