swim ireland open water academy
Remember, if you get in the water, you're a swimmer
Swim Ireland’s Open Water Programmes aim to build your confidence in the water, from wherever you are now, to wherever it is you dream of going on your open water journey.
Our experienced Swimming Teachers and Open Water Swimming Coaches share your love of the water, and are passionate about helping you enjoy the water to the fullest, safely.
We have launched our new look Swim Ireland Open Water Academy for 2024!
For more information on the different levels and programme descriptions, head to meandthewater.ie
Remember, if you get in the water, you're a swimmer.
Junior: 6-11 years old
Teen: 12–17-year-olds
Adult: 18 years upwards
Build your confidence in the water, no matter your level!
Discover what Ireland's open water has to offer!
Open Water 1
(Previously Dippers to Swimmers)
Is this level for me?
This level is tailored for individuals with no or limited swimming experience.
What will I learn?
By the end of this level swimmers will be able to
- Enter and Exit the water safely
- Comfortably put their face underwater
- Push from a standing position to lying on front and back
- Return to a standing position from lying
- Perform leg kick on front and back
- Perform arm action on front and back
- Increase their awareness of open water safety
Open Water 2
Is this level for me?
This level is tailored for individuals who can swim 25m in a swimming pool and have the ability to float on their back.
What will I learn?
By the end of this level swimmers will be able to
- Enter and Exit the water safely
- Comfortably breathe while swimming
- Push from a standing position to lying on front and back to commence kicking
- Perform backstroke
- Perform frontcrawl
- Swim continuously in Open Water for 100m
- Increase their awareness of open water safety
Open Water 3
Is this level for me?
This level is for swimmers who are confident out of their depth, have the ability to tread water, and can swim at least 100m on front or back unaided in the open water.
What will I learn?
By the end of this level swimmers will be able to
- Enter and Exit the water safely
- Perform basic Open Water race starts
- Perform fullstroke backstroke efficiently
- Perform fullstroke frontcrawl with aquatic breathing
- Demonstrate sighting and drafting
- Swim continuously in Open Water for 500m
Open Water 4
Is this level for me?
The level is for swimmers who are confident out of their depth, can swim atleast 200m (junior and teen) or 500m (adult) frontcrawl in a swimming pool.
These swimmers may be interested in participating in an open water event.
Suitable for club swimmers, triathletes and experienced open water swimmers.
What will I learn?
By the end of this level swimmers will be able to
- Enter and Exit the water safely
- Confidently perform Open Water race starts
- Perform fullstroke backstroke efficiently
- Perform fullstroke frontcrawl efficiently
- Perform sighting seemlessly with stroke
- Perform drafting techniques within dynamic group scenarios
- Swim continuously in Open Water for 1000m
Dippper to Swimmer is for people looking to get more comfortable and enhance their experience in Open Water. Beach To Buoy is for beginner swimmers in open water and Open Water Skills is for those with a bit more open water experience who want to improve.
You should be able to swim 700m front crawl in open water to do Open Water Skills and be able to swim 50m front crawl in open water for Beach To Buoy.
Both are aimed at people that are already competent pool swimmers.
You will need:
- Googles suitable for open water swimming
- A bright yellow, orange, pink or green silicone swimming hat
- Tow-float
- Extra layers to keep warm afterwards
- Any other equipment or clothing you normally use for open water
Recommended:
- Ear plugs to prevent surfers ear
- Changing robe to make it easier to get changed
- Waterproof bag or plastic bag to keep things dry on shore
- Wetsuit to keep you warm during the session
No. We recommend wetsuits for all our programmes due to the nature of the sessions – it’s not a continuous swim and you will be stopping regularly to get tips and instructions from your coaches. But you do not have to wear wetsuit.
You will need:
- Yoga mat or two thick towels
- Waterproof clothing in case of rain
- Swimming togs and changing robe
- Warm clothes for after your swim
You can also bring a warm flask of tea or coffee to keep you warm after your dip!
Swim Ireland uses Go Membership to register for Events and Programmes:
- Click on Event/Programme you would like to enter.
- Go Membership portal will open in new tab:
- If previously logged in, sign in using your email and password
- If not previously logged in, sign up. Remember email and password as this will be required to book future programmes & events
If open water is your high, Me and the Water is your tribe.
Me and the Water is Swim Ireland’s brand new membership category for casual swimmers, who want to meet others, gain confidence in the water and be part of a supportive swimming community.
Me and the Water Member Benefits Include:
- Special Edition Me and the Water Swim Hat
- Exclusive discounts from our partners
- Exclusive swim tips from our coaches
- Monthly competitions and giveaways
- Access to Open Water Swimming Training Plans
- Access to Me and the Water’s Forums and Groups
- Subscription to Me and the Water Newsletter
Join Me and the Water €10
