Welcome to the Farleigh Swimming Club.
RIVER SWIMMING HAS DANGERS.
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The river is about 8ft/2.4m deep, but you can walk in from above the (slippery) weir.
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DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. Generally we find that the water quality is low after heavy rainfall, and children swimming during these periods may develop tummy infections. We believe that this is because they tend to swallow water when swimming or playing in the river. Therefore we advise against swimming during these periods, especially children.
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Do not swim if the river is in spate (brown water).
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Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times.
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There are two ladders.
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There are NO LIFEGUARDS. You should always swim with company and be able to provide safety cover for your group.
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DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED for hygiene reasons, just as they are banned from playing fields and most popular beaches in summer.
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Please tidy up and take any litter home.
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Parents: please keep a constant watch on your children. The water is NOT clear.
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In places it is deep and you can drown. In other places it is shallow.
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If you wish to jump in, it is safest first to enter by the steps at the weird, or to go down either of the steps on the bank, to check the river for depth and for underwater obstructions (which may have come downstream since your last visit). Then check that the river below you is clear of swimmers to avoid injury to them.
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Diving is more dangerous, as you readily risk breaking your neck*, so please NO DIVING.
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Do NOT jump off trees.
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The weir is slippery!
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Don’t go in the river below the weir as there are rocks and debris there.
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Never swim on your own or after taking alcohol ** or drugs.
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Do not enter the water if you have an open wound (main risk: Weil’s disease).
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The river is cold. Always acclimatise yourself to the river temperature*** in the shallow water by the weir.
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You must be a good swimmer and in good health, so do not swim if you are feeling ill or you have any health conditions which could endanger you whilst in the water.
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Do not swim when the river is in flood.
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Beware of getting entangled in any river weeds.
Swimming is only allowed above the weir as far as the Club field extends. Landing on the opposite bank or the island is not allowed.
* This happened on the River Wylye at Heytesbury
**Several years ago, a man died here doing just that.
***Near downing here 1999.
The siting of this club by the river does not indicate that it is a safe place to swim, but rather that it is a traditional watering hole. There are inherent risks involved in river swimming. You swim and use the Farleigh & District Swimming Club entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your own safety, and for the safety of others. Please review the Safety information before entering the water. Neither the Farleigh & District Swimming Club, nor the Committee, nor any of its officials accepts liability for any loss or injury, howsoever caused.
