Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement

Barefoot and Bower – Risk Assessment – 2024

The basics

All visitors should be competent swimmers.
All swimmers are advised to undertake a cold-water / wild swimming induction course.
Always check your entry and exit points. Think before you swim – can you enter and exit the water easily and safely.
Never jump in. Enter the water slowly to prevent ‘cold water shock’ and to avoid obstacles.
Don’t mix swimming with alcohol or drugs
Do not swim alone. Swim with other people – ideally that know the area and have swum in open water before
Let people know where you are and what you’re doing (use NOWCA or the NOWCA WILD apps).
Make sure you’re visible in the water. Wear a brightly coloured cap and a tow-float
If someone gets in trouble, don’t put yourself at risk but call for help – dial 999 (Should you need to call the emergency services the nearest postcode is GL17 0NN and the What3Words to access site are ///bookings.science.amber)

Water temperature

The lakes can be as low as zero degrees in winter to as high as the mid 20s in peak summer. The water temperature has a massive impact on how you swim and how long you can safely stay in the water.

For the inexperienced, the biggest danger from sudden immersion in water that’s significantly cooler than you’re used to. This is the body’s initial and automatic response to rapid change in skin temperature. It causes, among other things, a sharp intake of breath, an increase in breathing rate and an increase in blood pressure. It typically lasts up to a couple of minutes. For the unwary, cold-water shock can be deadly, especially if that sharp intake of breath occurs under water. In addition, if you have an underlying heart condition or hypertension then the sudden change in blood pressure may cause complications. Therefore, enter the water slowly and keep your face clear until your breathing is under control. The cold-water response decreases with swimming experience and being mentally prepared.

The second problem with cold water is that it can result in swim failure. To protect vital organs in the core, the body restricts blood flow to the limbs when in cold water. If this reaches extreme levels the arms and legs no longer function properly, and you can’t swim. If you feel yourself slowing down or struggling to swim, get out.

The next risk is hypothermia. This occurs when you suffer a drop in core body temperature and can eventually lead to loss of consciousness and heart failure. The amount of time you can swim in cold water without suffering from hypothermia is determined by the temperature, your body size and shape and your experience, among other factors. Start with short swims to learn what your limits are. Always swim with other people. If your stroke rate slows down or you start to shiver, get out and warm up.

When you finish swimming, you also need to concern yourself with something called after drop. This happens after you exit the water as your core continues to cool. This is believed to be a conduction effect as a cold front moves through your body from the outer layers to the inner core. This is why you often start to shiver a few minutes after you finish swimming. To minimise the risk, dress immediately starting with the top half of your body. Put on a hat and gloves and have a warm drink.

Also bear in mind that the water near the surface, especially on hot sunny days, can be much warmer than the water below.

A brief guide to water temperatures in open water

Temperature	Description
0 to 5 degrees.	The preferred temperature for extreme winter swimmers. Causes pain and takes your breath away. Except for the very experienced, and only under strict supervision, swims should be limited to a few minutes. Enjoy the buzz when you get out.
5 to 10 degrees	Typical lake temperature in early spring. Still painfully cold and not recommended for anything other than very short swims (5 to 10 minutes) unless you are very experienced.
10 to 15 degrees	Open water starts reaching these temperatures in late spring around much of the UK. At the lower ends, it will still feel extremely cold initially, but longer swims are now possible. Experienced swimmers can manage several hours or more as the water approaches the mid-teens but hypothermia is still a big risk.
15 to 20 degrees	If you’ve only ever swum in a pool, this will feel cold but with a bit of experience and practice most people find this range comfortable.

Weather

Open water swimming is more enticing on hot sunny days, but people do swim in almost all conditions, and different types of weather mean different risks you need to be aware of.

In hot weather, there may be a big contrast between the air and water temperature that can catch out the unwary and is suspected to be a cause of some open water deaths. Therefore, always enter the water cautiously. Remember that you can easily get sunburn while swimming so make sure you protect your skin with waterproof sunblock or a rash vest.

Swimming in the rain is no problem – you’re wet anyway – and it can even be very enjoyable to feel the drops on your back and to watch the water surface. Make sure you keep your clothes and towel somewhere dry for afterwards and be aware that conditions in some rivers can change rapidly when it rains. Heavy rain can wash pollutants off the land into the water and cause storm overflows to spill into rivers so it might be prudent to avoid certain rivers during or after heavy rain. You should leave the water if there’s any danger of an electrical storm.

Other hazards for the unwary in open water

Think ahead and to stay alert. In our view, the benefits of open water swimming far outweigh the risks, but you should be aware of the potential hazards and take steps to minimise their possible harm. Common risks or perceived dangers that we haven’t covered above, and what to do about them.

Risk	What is it?	How do you manage it?
Cuts, bruises and breakages.	You’re most at risk when walking to or into the water or if you jump or dive in without checking the depth. Sharp stones or broken glass are common hazards.	Wear flip flops to the water’s edge and consider neoprene socks. Pay attention where you put your feet and always look before you leap. Be careful of waves breaking onto rocks.
Cramp	Cramp occurs when your muscles go into spasm. It can be very painful and disabling. Some people are more prone to it than others and it seems to be more likely if your muscles are tired, for example if you’ve been running before swimming.	Minimise the risk by learning what triggers cramp (e.g. sudden changes of pace, swimming butterfly). Swim with other people so if you do get cramp, they can help you. Consider using a tow float to rest on in case of emergency.
Weeds	Getting ‘dragged down by weeds’ is a common fear for beginners but is extremely unlikely. Nevertheless, pond weed and other plants can impede your swimming and possibly induce panic, which may result in drowning.	Stay calm. Weeds do not try to pull you down. In most cases you can gently extract yourself. It is usually preferable to swim in deeper water where you have fewer contacts with plants.
Getting stuck in the water	It’s not unheard of for people to start swimming and only later realise they can’t get out – for example, if they have swum from one place to another without checking their exit point.	Always plan your exit before you get into the water. Be aware of local conditions and how tides and changes in water level might affect your exit from the water. Before you enter the water, check for ladders, steps or alternative exit routes if your planned exit becomes unavailable.
Weil’s disease	Weil’s disease is the name given to a severe case of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection (caused by bacteria called leptospira) that is spread by animals and can affect people. It is particularly associated with rats but it is also known to be carried by cattle, pigs, foxes, badgers and dogs. You can catch it through contact with soil or water that’s been contaminated by urine from affected animals. That means swimmers are at risk. In 2014 there were 76 reported cases of leptospirosis (not the more severe Weil’s disease) in the UK, according to data from Public Health England.	Public Health England says: “In the UK, cases of leptospirosis are uncommon. There is no reason why people should not participate in freshwater activities such as swimming, sailing, water skiing or windsurfing, but we advise people to take simple precautions to reduce their risk of infection before engaging in these leisure pursuits. Practical measures swimmers can take include minimising the swallowing of water, showering soon after swimming and washing hands before eating.”
Other waterborne illnesses	Any time we enter the water we run the risk of picking up a parasitic, viral or bacterial infection. In the UK, the most common are bugs that cause vomiting and diarrhoea. These are usually mild and self-limiting.	In the sea, use beaches that meet bathing water standards. In inland waters you need to rely more on your own judgement and the experience of other swimmers. Avoid swimming in rivers after heavy rainfall that might wash contaminants or sewage into the water.
Tripping and Falling	From the car park to the lake watch out for trip hazards, branches, roots, divots.	Encourage visitors to be aware and vigilant. Make regular inspections of paths from the car park to the lakes.
Collision	Swimmers are hard to spot in the water, especially if the light is poor and they are wearing black wetsuits. A collision will almost certainly be worse for the swimmer.	Stay alert. Consider swimming where there’s less traffic. Wear a bright coloured cap. Drag a tow float behind you. Be careful.

Barefoot & Bower Swimming

Rules and Regs for wild campers and NOWCA Members

We welcome NOWCA Members to swim in the lower lake and campers, paddle boarders and large groups to use the upper lake.

The lakes are open during daylight hours only.

We have provided a ladder at the end of the jetty for access at either lake.

Safety notices are;

That the lake does not have a lifeguard.
All swimmers, paddleboarders and rowers are requested to look after each other. Be aware of who is in the lake and keep an eye out for each other.
Swimming does come with risk, so always tell someone when you are going. NO-ONE IS ALLOWED TO SWIM ALONE OR PADDLE BOARD ALONE.
Only stand on a paddle board when you are clear from the jetty and sides of the lake.
No one under 12 is to swim without adult supervision and under 5’s are not permitted to swim.
The child to adult ratio must be one to one.
Non-swimmers are advised not to enter the lakes.
There is a safety ring at the side of each jetty.
Don’t dive as the bottom of the lake is not flat and there are tree stumps. Swim carefully.
Intoxicated persons are prohibited from swimming.
In case of fire gather in the car park by sign.
Read our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement copies of which are on site by each jetty.
Read our Risk Assessment copies of which are on site by each jetty.
When you use the lakes, you agree to these rules and regulations. We do accept liability for your actions.

Our emergency contact details are:

Bronwen 07940 500 345

Emergency Services 999

Should you need to call the emergency services the nearest postcode is GL17 0NN and the What3Words to access site are ///bookings.science.amber

Barefoot & Bower Swimming Tribe 2024

Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement

By receiving this document and choosing to use the lake facilities, you agree to waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue and that you recognise and fully understand that:

AT NO TIME ARE THE LAKES SUPERVISED OR IS A LIFEGUARD ON DUTY.
YOU (THE USER) ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOURSELF DURING YOUR USE .
THE USE OF THE LAKES DURING YOUR PERIOD INVOLVES A NUMBER OF RISKS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

1. The risk of injury because of possible malfunction of equipment during your use.
2. The risk of injuries resulting from slips and falls in and around the lake area.
3. The risk of injuries resulting from lack of lake supervision.
4. The risk of injuries because of running jumping diving into the lakes or any similar actions.
5. The risk of other injuries resulting from any other actions in and around the lakes and surrounding areas.

EACH USER AGREES TO RECOGNISE AND FULLY UNDERSTAND THAT THE ABOVE LIST IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST AND ONLY PROVIDES EXAMPLES OF RISKS THAT COULD POSSIBLY OCCUR WHILST USING THE LAKES AND FACILITIES.

In exchange for ‘BAREFOOT & BOWER allowing you to utilise the lake facilities and surrounding area during your session, you hereby agree to the conditions laid out below.

To waive any and all claims that you have or may have in the future against ‘BAREFOOT & BOWER and its owners or representatives, relating to my use of the lakes and surrounding area.
To release ‘BAREFOOT & BOWER owners and representatives from any and all liability for any loss, damage, injury, expense, or other cost that you may suffer or that your next of kin may suffer in connection with your use of the lakes and area of to any cause whatsoever, including negligence on the part of the owners or representatives.
To indemnify the owners or representatives from any and all liability to property and personal injury, to any third party, resulting from use of the lakes and lake area.
You confirm that you are over 18, and that you are responsible and will adhere to all the rules and regulations of the premises a copy of which can be found in the communal kitchen on the upper lake and in the pyramid store at the lower lake.
That this waiver, Release, and Agreement is fully effective and binding upon you, and your heirs, next of kin, executers, administrators, and assigns or anyone else authorised to act on your behalf or on behalf of your estate.
That you will NEVER swim alone.