This week has seen a row over kids swimming in the canal at the Pier Head in Liverpool and now a new open-water swimming facility is to open in nearby Princes Dock. Tony McDonough reports
In the midst of a row over kids swimming in the canal at LIverpool’s Pier Head a new approved open-air swimming facility is to open at nearby Princes Dock.
WeSwimRun, which organises open water swimming and running events across North Wales and provides coaching in open water swimming, has launched what it is calling an urban open water swimming facility.
Public swimming sessions will take place in Princes Dock from Monday, August 2. Swimmers can buy a monthly pass for £20 giving them unlimited access to all the sessions in August.
They will run on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Tuesday mornings. An introduction to open water swimming course will also take place every Tuesday in August at 5.30pm.
The 500m course in Princes Dock will be clearly marked out so that swimmers can swim safely in laps around the dock, surrounded by the impressive backdrop of the world-famous Liverpool skyline and nearby cruise ships. WeSwimRun will also use Princes Dock to host a range of organised events and races.
The water quality in Princes Dock, which is approximately 40% salt water and 60% fresh water, will be tested regularly and aerated pumps will help to keep the water moving.
As well as public swimming sessions, WeSwimRun will host a charity open water swimming event at Princes Dock on Saturday, August 14, as part of a UK-wide fundraising initiative called Lakes For Level Water.
The national event will take place at various open water swimming venues across the UK in aid of Level Water, a charity that teaches disabled children to swim.
Mike Alexander, founder and coach at WeSwimRun, said: “Open water swimming has increased in popularity over recent months as more people have sought a release from the tensions of the day. It is a wonderful pasttime and is a fantastic way to keep a healthy mind and body.
“Our new facility at Princes Dock provides a really special location within an urban environment and is surrounded by spectacular views along the waterfront at Liverpool Waters.”
Liza Marco, asset manager at Peel L&P’s Liverpool Waters, added: “WeSwimRun is opening an incredible facility at Princes Dock, which will provide the perfect place for local residents and visitors to Liverpool Waters to come and let off steam at the end of the day.”
To buy a monthly swim pass or to book an introduction to outdoor swimming session at Princes Dock, Liverpool Waters, click here.