Finding Freedom in Open Water: Our 2025 Women in Tri UK Swim Sessions

This summer, nearly 100 women took the plunge with Women in Tri UK. Thanks to support from Active Thames, we delivered four coached open-water sessions at Royal Victoria Docks, plus an online webinar on safety and technique. The result? Far more than just swimming lessons.

These sessions became a doorway to confidence, friendship, and a whole new way of experiencing London’s waterways.

Building confidence, one buoy at a time

For many, open water felt intimidating at first. Some had only ever swum in a pool; others were scared of the cold or the vastness of the dock. But with female coaches leading every session, and volunteers right there in the water, progress came quickly.

Small steps mattered most: first time putting their face in, first time swimming out to a buoy, first continuous loop around the dock. Every milestone was celebrated.

One participant told us:

“When it comes to open water I’ve always felt anxious; these sessions helped me to keep calm, and the support of other people and the coaches made the experience much nicer.”

Another added:

“Everyone was extremely supportive, and I liked that first timers had their own group. We had all the attention we needed for a positive experience.”

Affordable and inclusive

We know that cost and kit are two of the biggest barriers for women wanting to try open water. That’s why we made sessions as accessible as possible — just a £5 admin fee, and free for those who needed it.

Wetsuit loans meant no one had to invest in expensive gear before giving it a go. The outcome? A truly diverse group of women, swimming side by side. Almost 60% of participants identified as being from an ethnic minority background, and 42% came from low-income households.

One woman shared:

“I was nervous about the cold and whether I could keep my face in the water, but after the session I felt amazing and so much more confident.”

From first swims to first races

For many, these sessions were just the beginning. Over 30 women went on to complete their first triathlon or open-water event this summer.

One participant reflected:

“I had never joined my local triathlon group because I feared not being good enough. After just one session with Women in Tri UK, I entered a triathlon and finished 3rd in my age group.”

Stories like these show how quickly confidence in the water can ripple into new opportunities — events, challenges, and a growing belief of “I can do this.”

A community in the water

Beyond the swimming itself, the biggest success has been the friendships formed. Many women now meet up independently to swim together, proving that the programme planted seeds of community that will keep growing.

One swimmer told us:

“I was feeling anxious because it was not only my first open-water swim but also my first time meeting the group. By the end, I felt welcomed, supported, and like I belonged.”

Another added:

“Being among the Women in Tri UK community, and having the moral support to encourage me to go further, made all the difference.”

Looking ahead

These sessions showed what’s possible when cost, kit, and confidence barriers are removed. Women who once thought open water was “not for them” are now swimmers — stronger, happier, and more connected.

With continued support, we hope to expand these sessions to new locations and welcome even more women into the water. Because once that first buoy is reached, the possibilities really are endless.