Open water swimming - insurance?

[doadeer]

Don't know if this is right place to ask?

My family run a fitness business for which we have insurance. We want to start a group which involves a dip, paddle or short swim in the sea, followed by a workout and a coffee.

(Once restrictions have lifted)

Do we need any additional insurance? We have health and safety forms which need to be signed before attending.

Ask your current insurers if this is already covered, and to quote to extend cover if not.

You need certainty before you start.

It depends on what is covered on your existing policy.

It doesn't matter what you put on "health and safety" forms, you cannot contract out of statute law or opt out of liability if you are legally liable.

You'd need to do a risk assessment and have a lifeguard on duty as a minimum. This link might to a useful way to consider some of the things you'd need to consider.

oliprimary.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/09_Swimming_On_Educational_Visits.pdf

There aren't any children.

There are loads of sea swimming groups locally and they don't have a lifeguard present....

We are waiting to hear from insurance. Most people will just go up to their waist and have a chat I'm sure.

Hi OP, I trained with Dover Channel Swimming when I trained for a cross channel swim back in 2017. This is open water training in Dover Harbour for swimmers looking to complete a Channel swim. I've had a scan through their website and can't see any insurance details, but there is a lengthy disclaimer! There might be some helpful info on their website.

www.doverchanneltraining.com/disclaimer

That's really helpful thank you

I can’t hell on the insurance front, but can I suggest work out then swim? Otherwise you’ll need a really long warm up for the work out to get blood back into the muscles. I’m happy to go for a run along the sea front before my swim, but when I get out I just want a hot drink and to put on all my layers.

Yes. You'll need to do the workout first. Better to hop in the sea all revved up then back into dry clothes.

My family run a fitness business for which we have insurance. We want to start a group which involves a dip, paddle or short swim in the sea, followed by a workout and a coffee.

You need to do the workout first. They'll be freezing cold after swimming in the sea.

Yes sorry I wrote it wrong in my OP.

Yoga then a dip of course! 😅

That's ok then . I had visions of everyone seizing up and going blue doing burpees.

Hahaha!!
No 20 mins of sun salutations, a dip and a coffee! Much more civilised 🤣

Check to see if your existing public liability / employer's liability insurance covers it. You'll also need to carry out a risk assessment.

If any of you are qualified coaches then you might get insurance and advice from the Institute of Swimming.

You’ll be fine if no kids - I read it as being a family set up - ie for families.