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Swim Ireland has officially announced the return of its Club Open Water Pathway Training Programme for 2025, following a successful rollout last year. Designed to bridge the gap between pool-based competition and open water swimming, the programme aims to equip experienced swimmers with the skills necessary to transition confidently to outdoor swimming environments.
The structured programme will run over six or eight weeks, depending on location, and will be led by qualified club coaches with expertise in both pool and open water training. It is targeted at swimmers who have previously competed in 800m or 1500m events—either in a pool or open water setting.
According to Swim Ireland, the initiative has three key objectives:
To encourage competitive pool swimmers to explore open water swimming;
To support swimmers of various ages in competing in open water events across different distances;
To grow participation in competitive open water events nationwide.
Participants will train in natural water settings to gain experience and acclimatise to outdoor conditions, with the ultimate goal of competing in the Swim Ireland National Open Water Championships.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme is open to registered Swim Ireland club members aged 13 or older. All participants must demonstrate prior experience by having competed in 800m or 1500m events at club, regional, or national level. The training is not suitable for beginners or swimmers still learning to swim.
Training Locations
Sessions will be available at the following locations:
Dublin: Low Rock/Malahide
Galway: Salthill
Clare: Two Mile Gate
Kerry: Fenit
Roscommon: Lanesborough
Further information and booking links can be found on the Swim Ireland website.
What Swimmers Need to Bring
Participants are required to bring the following:
Goggles suitable for open water conditions
A bright-colored silicone swim cap (yellow, orange, pink, or green)
Warm layers for after the session
A wetsuit (recommended for warmth and comfort)
Any personal swimming gear typically used during open water training
Recommended Items:
Ear plugs (to prevent surfer’s ear)
Changing robe for convenience
Waterproof or plastic bag for dry storage
Tow-float for visibility and safety
For more details, including specific session dates and registration instructions, visit Swim Ireland’s official website.
