Hackney Council takes plunge and opens West Reservoir to swimmers

Splash zone: West Reservoir swimmers. Photograph: Greenwich Leisure Limited

Over the years – and particularly on hot days – many a keen swimmer must have wandered past the West Reservoir in Stoke Newington and longed to dive into its deep, clean waters.

But until now that had not been possible – officially at least.

All that has changed as Hackney Council, in conjunction with its swimming pools operator Greenwich Leisure Limited, have taken the plunge and thrown open the man-made lake for use by aquathon participants.

The new swimming venue has been launched in response to what its backers say has been a “phenomenal rise” in the popularity of open water swimming.

Regular open water swimming sessions run every Thursday and Saturday will run through this month and next.

Thursday sessions are from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday sessions commence 7.30am and run until 9.30am.

Wet suits are mandatory.

Booking is advisable by calling 020 8442 8116.