*Please be aware that all customers must wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket at all times when on the water.*

Explore Llanishen Reservoir in our sailing taster sessions with one of our instructors. This session is aimed at those who have never sailed before or people who have had a go but want to learn the basics. This session is for both adults and children.

Learning to sail is a fast and fun process with a qualified instructor. The session structure is designed to give you the information you need to get on the water safely, have fun and learn the basic techniques of sailing.

Your session includes hire of a boat, wetsuit and buoyancy aid. Please bring some footwear you are happy to get wet!

The minimum age allowed on the Sailing Taster is 8 years old.

Weather:

Water levels change so sometimes water sports and swimming might be limited. In rare cases, we might need to cancel them entirely for safety reasons.

Safety is our number one priority. In the event of poor weather conditions (e.g. strong winds or thunder and lightning) or other incidents we reserve the right to restrict water access to particular user groups, restrict the area available for activities, cancel sessions or close the lake. We will endeavour to give advance notice whenever possible; however sometimes decisions need to be made at short notice. If we close the lake, we will add a message to our website and endeavour to contact all customers impacted to offer the opportunity to reschedule their session or receive a refund.

** SWIMMERS ITCH WARNING**

Update 18/7/24:

A very small number of swimmers have reported mild symptoms akin to swimmer’s itch. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates.

Swimmer’s itch (also known as ‘cercarial dermatitis’)

What is swimmer’s itch?

Swimmer’s itch is an itchy skin rash. It is caused by an allergic reaction to a type of tiny flatworm that is found naturally in open water.

The tiny flatworms that cause swimmer’s itch live all over the world, in natural outdoor or ‘open’ waters, such as lakes, ponds and the sea. They are so small that we cannot see them, so it is not possible to know when they are there.

These flatworms do not infect people but they can cause itching if they come into contact with a person’s skin. The ‘itching’ cannot spread from one person to another, it needs direct contact with the worms.

Anyone who is in contact with the flatworms can get swimmer’s itch – this could be when swimming, dipping, wading or paddling in outdoor waters.

What should I do if I get swimmer’s itch?

People with swimmer’s itch are unlikely to need medical help, as it usually gets better by itself, and there is no test that needs to be done for it. But it is important that you don’t scratch the rash, to stop it getting infected with germs. Speak to your pharmacist if you need help with the itching.

It is also important to remember that itching skin and rashes can be caused by lots of other things. So, if you are unsure if you have swimmer’s itch, if your symptoms are getting worse or if you feel unwell after being in outdoor waters, see your GP or pharmacist for advice.

How do I know if I have swimmer’s itch?

Swimmer's itch usually happens within hours (1 to 48 hours) of being in the water. At first, it may cause a tingling, itching or burning feeling of the skin. Small reddish spots may appear, sometimes turning into larger rashes and blisters, with intense itching.

It usually only affects skin which directly touches the water. Skin that is covered by tight swimwear is usually fine.

Swimmer’s itch usually gets better without treatment and goes away by itself in 1-3 weeks.

As swimmer’s itch is an allergic reaction, people in the same water can have different reactions. But the more often someone has contact with the flatworms, the more serious (immediate and intense) their reaction may be.

How do I know when swimmer’s itch is a problem in water?

Swimmer’s itch is not a sign of pollution or ‘dirty’ water. But we are still learning more about why swimmer’s itch is a problem in some waters and not in others, and how this can change over time.

We think that swimmer’s itch is more likely to be a problem when water is warmer, in the Summer, in water where lots of water birds live or visit (e.g. ducks, geese and swans) and in shallower water with lots of plants. It may also be more of a problem in the early morning.

Children seem to be more likely to develop swimmer’s itch than adults, probably because they spend more time in shallow waters and may not dry themselves as well as adults do.

How can I reduce my chance of getting swimmer’s itch?

It’s difficult to know when and where swimmer’s itch will be a problem before you go into the water. Even if it has been reported as a problem somewhere, it may not always be a problem there in the future. But if you want to reduce your chance of getting swimmer’s itch:

• Avoid swimming or wading in warmer, shallow waters with lots of plants.

• Avoid swimming or wading where lots of water birds live or visit.

• Think about covering your skin e.g. wearing a full-length wetsuit, swim cap, wet suit gloves and booties. Remember your face will still be bare.

• Towel rub your skin dry straight after leaving the water.

• Where possible, shower straight after leaving the water.

It is also a good idea to rinse your wetsuit in clean fresh water after use.

You can find out more about safe swimming in outdoor waters here: https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/environmental-public-health/staying-safe-in-outdoor-waters-in-wales/

This advice is based on information from:

DermNet (2021): ‘Swimmer’s itch’. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/swimmers-itch

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020): ‘Swimmer’s itch FAQs’. https://www.cdc.gov/swimmers-itch/about/

World Health Organization (2021): ‘Guidelines on recreational water quality Volume 1 Coastal and Fresh Waters’. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/342625/9789240031302-eng.pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=1

·Swimwear to wear under a wetsuit

·Shoes you are happy to get wet (old trainers or water shoes) – footwear must be worn when entering or exiting the water

·Suncream

·Hat – either a warm hat or sunhat depending on the weather

·Bottle of water

·Towel

·Warm clothes for afterwards

A wetsuit, buoyancy aid and helmet (where appropriate) will be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own wetsuit if you wish.

Please complete your disclaimer and medical information ahead of your visit – this will be prompted through your online booking. If this information isn’t completed in advance, it can cause delays to you starting your session. This information must be completed for every person participating.

1.Make sure you arrive in good time and have signed all relevant disclaimers and medical declarations in advance

2.Check in at the Activity Centre reception

3.Changing rooms and lockers are available

4.A safety and equipment briefing will be provided at the start of your session.