Here are the answers some of the frequently asked questions we receive. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact [email protected] 

1. Can I wear a wetsuit? 
- Absolutely, we want all swimmers to feel comfortable and confident during our swims! We do offer advice and encouragement if you feel like you want to 'ditch the wetsuit' at any point during the warmer summer months - but this is not mandatory! 

2. How far do you swim? 
- The distance we swim will differ from bay to bay and will also be dependent on the weather. For most swims we organise we will look at setting out 3 courses - short, medium, long. It is entirely up to you which one you decide to pick on the day! 

3. Do you swim in groups? 
- As a club who promotes safe sea swimming, all of our organised club swims ensure you have a 'buddy' or 'pod' of a similar ability to swim with. This will be determined on speed, ability and the distance you have selected on the day. If you are ever unsure on who to swim with, please go and see the swim organiser of that particular day and they will help put you into a pair/pod. We never swim alone.  

4. What do I do when I arrive? 
- Club swims have a scheduled 'meet' time 30 minutes before we actually enter the water. This gives individuals enough time to sign in with the Swim Organiser (you will find this information on the Swim Programme 2024), ensure you have a club hat/tow flow (and borrow one if you need) and listen to the swim briefing - this will include the courses, a brief risk assessment and any further information you may need for that swim. 

5. What safety measures do you have in place? 
- Check in/check out system to ensure all swimmers are accounted for
- Swim / safety briefing so all swimmers are aware of the course and any risks they need to be made aware of (e.g. sailing boats etc.) 
- Kayakers - during our Sunday swims we have kayakers readily available to support you if you so need - just roll onto your back, hold onto your tow float and raise your arm.
- VHF radios - both land support and support on the water have access and are fully trained to use VHF radios  

6. What kit should I bring? 
- Bring the obvious - swimming costume/wetsuit, hat and goggles - when you join you will be given a red JLDSC hat, please ensure you wear this when undertaking club sea swims. 
- Lots of warm loose layers for afterwards, socks and filled in shoes (even in the summer you can still feel the chill!) 
- Flask of warm drink (optional)  

7. Can I do anything to help? 
- We are always looking for experienced, confident volunteers to lead small pods (especially on Tuesday nights). 
- If you have access to a kayak and want to get out on the water and assist, any support would be greatly appreciated. 

8. I want to build up my distance in the sea, how can I do this? 
- It is all very dependent on what your goal is. If you're new to sea swimming - take each week as it comes, speak to other swimmers on the slipway and learn about their journeys. Remember you can always pick the shorter course and complete it a couple of times! It's always better to do this than to choose the long course and want to stop.