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
How to Register on a Programme
Swim Ireland uses Eventmaster to register for Programmes:
- Click on the Type of programme you would like to register for.
- You will be brought to a new page where you can select your location.
- Follow the steps on the screen to book your desired programme.
Dipper to Swimmer
Are you looking for that bit of confidence to go from that dip to bit of a swim? Then this is the course for you!
Improve your confidence in open water. Participants should already be comfortable in the water, with a goal of spending more time in the water and swimming 50m to 100m at the end of the programme. Sessions are once per week and 45 minutes long.
Our Dipper to Swimmer programmes run for four to eight weeks and are open to adult swimmers.
Open Water Skills
If you can swim 700m and want to improve, this is the programme for you!
It's aimed at experienced swimmers who want to improve technique, skills and stamina in open water. Participants should be able to swim 700m already with a view to building distance in a safe and encouraging environment. Sessions are once per week and 45 minutes long.
Our Open Water Skills programmes run for four to eight weeks and have sessions open to adults and teenagers.
Beach To Buoy
Dreaming of swimming out to that buoy? Then this is the course for you!
Improve your confidence and technique in open water. Participants should already be able to swim 50m, with a goal of completing 500m at the end of the programme. Sessions are once per week and 45 minutes long.
Our Beach To Buoy programmes run for four to eight weeks and are open to adult swimmers.
Teen
This 6 week programme is aimed at teens new to open water swimming. Through coached sessions, they will be given the tools and skills to feel safe and comfortable in open water and the confidence to learn to swim in open water. An educational on safety and the dangers of open water swimming is included.
Swimminkids & Teen Open Water Weeks
Five days of gaining confidence, skills and safety awareness
This five-day programme is aimed at children new to open water swimming. Through five consecutive 45-minute coached sessions, they will be given the tools and skills to feel safe and comfortable in open water and the confidence to learn to swim in open water.
We have Open Water Weeks open to swimmers aged 6-14.
Yoga & Dip
Fancy a stretch and a dip once a week?
This is a wellness and holistic programme, guided by a qualified yoga instructor for 30 minutes followed by a dip in the open water. Swim Ireland will provide a teacher and lifeguard for the dip to ensure safety and provide tips and advice.
Want a goal?
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
