Membership
& Safety Rules

1. You are an experienced open water swimmer, over the age of 21, and capable of swimming 200 metres unaided in open water. You acknowledge that this will not be further verified or tested by Glove Dippers.

2. You will never swim in the lake alone and will always attend either with another Glove Dipper member swimming buddy or a spotter able to provide safety assistance at all times

3. You understand that during warm/summer months (typically May to Sep) a parasite that can cause the skin condition Cercarial dermatitis (commonly known as 'swimmers itch' or 'duck itch') in a small percentage of swimmers is very likely to be present in the lake and you may be affected.

You further acknowledge that Glove Dippers advises all swimmers to seek advice about wearing a wetsuit or other protective clothing when swimming in the lake to protect against Cercarial Dermatitis and other potential risks associated with open water swimming including (but not limited to): risks of flooding, drowning and various water-borne viruses, diseases and pathogens.

4. You understand that no membership refund is available for the sole reason that you are affected by the presence of swimmer's itch, nor will a discount be offered if, as a result, you choose to swim only in winter months.

5. You will never swim, attempt to swim, or enter the lake while under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.

6. You will not swim during a lightning storm or when lightning is highly likely.

7. You will not JUMP or DIVE into the lake and acknowledge that the lake is shallow at the entry point and deep in other parts

8. You will wear suitable swimming clothing appropriate to the water temperature and local conditions. The wearing of wetsuits for open water swimming may assist in buoyancy and skin protection. But please note that there is a risk of overheating when wearing a wetsuit in water temperatures over 20 degrees. You may wish to consider wearing goggles and footwear for additional protection.

You further acknowledge that naked swimming is strictly prohibited. You also agree to always change in/out of swimming attire under a dry robe or large towel - it's not a nudist lake/swimming group.

9. You will only swim during daylight hours AND then only ever between the hours of 07:00 – 20:30, Mon-Sun inclusive, or during the hours otherwise advised by Glove Dippers from time to time during your membership. You do not have permission to swim outside of these hours and it would be a breach of your membership agreement to do so.

10. If you are asked to leave the lake at any time, for any reason stated or not stated by a representative of Glove Dippers, you will immediately comply.

11. You will always approach the entry pontoon with caution and if the slope and area surrounding the pontoon is muddy, you will not attempt to access the pontoon unless you are confident you can safely do so without slipping or tripping. Before entering the water, you will always scan the water and banks for any objects which might cause you harm.

12. If you get into difficulty while swimming, you will attempt to attract the attention of your partner/spotter by turning on your back and raising one arm in the air, or via other generally recognised methods. If possible, you will attempt to swim to the pontoon or move into the shallow waters on your back.

In the event of an emergency, swimmers must contact the Emergency Services by calling 999. Swimmers must also notify Glove Dippers immediately of any accidents or incidents at the lake. This can be done by calling 01225 784080 (Glove Factory Studios reception) or emailing hello@glovedippers.com.

13. NO LIFEGUARDS are present at the lake at any time and you are responsible for your own and other’s safety with regard to the hazards and risks of open water swimming.

14. You will immediately advise Glove Dippers by calling 01225 784080 of any new risks that you identify at the lake, which may be a danger to swimmers or others in the lake or surrounds. This includes objects in the water, slippery or uneven surfaces, unusual smell, colour or possible chemical discharge in the water. You agree to cover any open wounds or scratches/sores with a waterproof plaster before swimming.

15. You agree that when swimming in the lake you will always be respectful of other Glove Dippers members and may be challenged by any swimmer to confirm your identity as a paid-up Glove Dippers member.

16. A maximum of 20 swimmers are permitted to enter the lake to swim at any one time. You agree that you will not enter the lake if it appears that this maximum number of swimmers has been reached.

17. Swimming is only permitted in the north lake and the swimming access and exit is restricted to the pontoon provided on the west side of the lake.

19. Belongings left at the lakeside or otherwise unattended are left completely at your own risk. You will not leave rubbish or food waste behind either on the lake field or inside any changing shelter that may be provided on the field.

20. You will contact Glove Dippers, immediately, by email, if your contact details or emergency contact details change.

22. You give permission for your email address and other personal details requested on this form to be held by Glove Dippers to enable information relating to membership and safety rules to be sent to me whenever required. A Privacy Policy is available for review on https://glovedippers.com

23. You confirm that you have sought permission from your emergency contract for their email address and telephone number to be held by Glove Dippers for the exclusive purpose of contacting them in the event of an emergency connected to your swimming at the lake.

24. You acknowledge that these rules may be amended or updated by Glove Dippers from time to time throughout the period of your membership. The latest version of these rules will always be available at the glovedippers.com website. You understand that you must review these from time to time and whenever requested by email or otherwise by Glove Dippers.