What is the minimum age to participate?

Swimmers must be at least 12 years old to participate, with under-18s accompanied by an adult when water temperature is above 18°C.

Are wetsuits provided?

Wetsuits are not supplied, so all swimmers must bring their own; limited stock is available for purchase subject to availability.

Is prior swimming experience required?

Yes, all swimmers must complete a swim induction to ensure they are comfortable and safe in open water.

Can beginners join the swims?

Beginners are welcome, but must attend an induction and be able to swim confidently in open water.

What safety measures are in place?

A safety boat is on standby during swims, and all staff are trained in first aid; swim hats and tow floats are mandatory.

Is there a place to get drinks?

No hot drinks are available at the centre, so bring your own flask or visit the nearby cafe.

Dive Into Adventure: Open Water Swim at Chatham Maritime Watersports Centre

Located at Saint Mary's Island in England, the Open Water Swim at Chatham Maritime Watersports Centre offers a rare urban plunge into 10 meters of deep salt water surrounded by nature and cityscape. This experience transforms ordinary swimming into a thrilling encounter with open water, perfect for adventurers looking to test their limits in a professionally managed environment. The centre features a custom-built swim ramp that lets you dive straight into salty depths, providing a unique blend of urban convenience and wilderness immersion.

Saint Mary's Island, set within the historic Medway towns, is an ideal launch point for open water enthusiasts. The location's waters provide a refreshing yet safe playground where swimmers can experience the natural elements more intimately than in a pool setting. The swim sessions are well organized; all participants must undergo a swim induction beforehand, ensuring everyone’s safety and readiness.

Safety plays a major role in this captivating venture. Mandatory wetsuits offer both thermal protection and buoyancy, essential when water temperatures drop below 16°C. The swim area is continually monitored, with regular water quality testing and temperature updates visible to all participants. During each swim, a safety boat is on standby, and all centre staff are trained in first aid, making this an accessible yet exhilarating experience for swimmers aged 12 and older.

What makes this swim particularly special is how it suits a wide range of skills. From beginners taking their first strokes in open water to seasoned swimmers seeking a refreshing challenge, this outing is inclusive yet performance-driven. Wearing brightly colored swim hats and tow floats is compulsory, helping people stay safe and visible in open water. Children under 18 are welcome when accompanied by an adult, making it a family-friendly choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The centre emphasizes a hands-on experience, requiring participants to bring their own wetsuits, swim hats, and buoyancy aids, though limited equipment is available for purchase. This approach encourages preparedness and offers swimmers a chance to personalize their gear, enhancing their comfort and confidence in open water conditions.

Chatham Maritime Watersports Centre and its Open Water Swim stand out in the local outdoor scene as one of the few urban-accessible open water experiences. It blends structured safety measures with the raw thrill of plunging into natural saltwater, making it a must-try for visitors and residents alike. Whether you’re training for triathlons or simply chasing an invigorating dive abroad, this swim offers a compelling balance of adventure, safety, and natural beauty right in the heart of England’s coastline.

About Chatham Maritime Trust

Chatham Maritime Trust operates watersports and coastal leisure experiences on Saint Mary's Island, England. The Trust offers a diverse programme of self-launch and pay & play activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing/wingsupping, pedalos and an inflatable Aquapark.

Sessions range from short family rides to certified introductory courses such as the two-day Adult Level 1 Start Sailing course and two-hour Start Kayaking beginners’ course. Many pay & play options supply buoyancy aids and require appropriate supervision for under-18s; the Aquapark sessions specify lifeguard cover and buoyancy aid provision. Self-launch options allow experienced participants to bring their own paddleboards, kayaks or windsurfing equipment while following safety guidance and self-rescue expectations.

Family-oriented experiences include Paddleboard Pay & Play, Kayak Pay & Play and Pedalo hire, with age guidance and adult supervision encouraged for younger paddlers. The Trust also runs improvers’ sailing sessions for young sailors, open water swim opportunities and themed Adventure Day events. Chatham Maritime Trust focuses on accessible coastal recreation within an urban saltwater environment at Saint Mary's Island, making watersports approachable for local residents and visitors.

The Trust’s programmes emphasise skill development, environmental awareness and on-water safety through clear session descriptions and supervised courses where stated. Visitors can choose from casual hourly activities, skill-building courses or self-directed sessions to suit ability levels and family groups. All activities and course details are published in session summaries to help visitors select suitable experiences. Booking information and specific session times are provided on the Trust's listings to assist planning and ensure availability.