easy
1–2 hours
Open to all skill levels; basic swimming ability recommended
Looking for a safe, scenic spot to boost your open water swimming skills? Shelby Farms Park offers guided sessions in a tranquil lakeside setting, perfect for swimmers of all levels.
$15 One-hour swim sessions (restricted to certain Sundays & specific times) + volunteer opportunties
Join the Open Water Swim Clinics at Shelby Farms Park for an exhilarating experience! Designed for various skill levels, these sessions offer expert coaching to enhance your swimming confidence in open water. With safety personnel and lifeguards on duty, you'll enjoy a secure environment to improve your endurance and skills.
Full Season Pass | 15 sessions | $150 Half Season Pass | 8 sessions | $100 Mini Season Pass | 5 sessions | $50 Single Sunday Session | $15
Questions? tickets@shelbyfarmspark.com
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Register for the open water swim clinic to get tips, advice & training from professional swim & triathlon coaches! The clinic is open to a wide range of skill levels: swimmers who are training for their first ever triathlon to swim endurance athletes to those training for the upcoming Ironman. This will give you a great opportunity to grow your confidence and comfort level to increase your ability to swim safely and continuously in open water and during a race/triathlon.
Shelby Farms Park, along with community partners are offering a limited number of sessions and time slots for registered participants to swim a small course in Hyde Lake.
There will be lifeguards on duty, as well as coaches and volunteers near the shore and in the water on kayaks, paddle boards, and/or boats.
A swim cap will be provided for all clinic participants. It is recommended to bring goggles and a towel.
Please note: This is not a “learn to swim” clinic. Participants need to be able to swim independently. All participants must complete a swimming certification to swim in the program. (See below for more details.)
Very special thank you to our planning committee for helping to create this program and volunteering their time!
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Register for one of the Safety Volunteers & swim the other clinic time for free! We need your help to keep all our swimmers safe!
Safety Volunteer: Shoreline Spotter Volunteers will monitor swimmers & alert the lifeguards or In-Water Spotters of any issues.
Safety Volunteer: In-Water Spotter Volunteers will offer temporary flotation or a “bail out” to swimmers. Please bring own kayak or SUP, if possible.
Safety personnel, Shelby Farms Park staff, and qualified coaches have the right to revoke access to the group sessions if they believe a swimmer is not abiding by the rules below. We take safety very seriously, so there will be no warnings if the rules are not followed. Shelby Farms Park has the right to revoke the entire program if they see it as a hindrance to the park and the other park visitors.
First time participants must complete a swimming assessment before being able to swim within the program group. Swimming certifications will take place in the first 10 minutes of the session while the others are completing the warm up or a lap in the opposite direction. Assessments will be done on the length of the course closest to the shoreline. Each participant will be monitored and evaluated one on one with a safety personnel or the qualified coach on duty.
The new participant must be able to swim 100 yards without panic or erratic breathing, and must be able to tread water for at least 2 minutes without floatation.
Once the participant successfully completes the assessment, they are free to swim the full course.
Shelby Farms Park, safety personnel, and qualified coaches have the right to cancel any open water swimming session based on poor weather conditions. This may include but is not limited to:
Cancellation will be put out via email and/or the official Shelby Farms OWS Facebook group in the event of cancellation. ALL REGISTERED SWIMMERS WILL BE MOVED TO THE NEXT OWS DATE. You should receive a confirmation email, as well.
Questions? tickets@shelbyfarmspark.com
Secure a good spot and familiarize yourself with the park layout before your session begins.
Review weather and water temperature updates to ensure a comfortable swim.
These help improve your visibility and protect your eyes during training.
Proper hydration enhances performance and safety during your swim.
Shelby Farms was established in 1974 as part of an effort to restore natural habitats and provide outdoor recreation for Memphis residents.
The park prioritizes sustainable maintenance and water quality management to preserve its natural ecosystem for future generations.
Helps reduce drag and keeps hair out of your face during your swim.
Ensure clear vision underwater with comfortable, well-fitting goggles.
A snug, performance swimsuit improves movement and comfort.
Dry off quickly after your session and stay comfortable.