Open water swimmers can now enjoy the newly reopened Llanishen Reservoir after it was awarded S.A.F.E (Safe Aquatic Facility Endorsement) Cymru accreditation.
Dwr Cymru opened the gates to Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs this summer following an extensive redevelopment that has breathed new life into the 19th century landmark. Located just a few miles from the capital’s city centre, the pair of reservoirs have already established themselves as a hub for recreation, health and wellbeing. While Lisvane acts as an active reservoir serving the nearby steelworks, Llanishen has been opened for the public to enjoy a variety of water-based activities.
Swimmers from Cardiff and beyond can now experience the unique health and wellbeing benefits associated with open water swimming after Llanishen Reservoir gained S.A.F.E Cymru accreditation, which is recognised by Welsh Government, Sport Wales and AWWSG as the pinnacle of safe aquatic facility standards in Wales.
Swim Wales Chief Executive Officer Fergus Feeney commented: “We’re delighted to rollout S.A.F.E Cymru at Llanishen Reservoir following the reopening of this historic site in the heart of the Welsh capital. S.A.F.E Cymru accreditation is the gateway for iconic sites like this to embrace open water swimming and other popular water sports, and we are excited about the aquatic possibilities at Lisvane & Llanishen Reservoirs.
“The popularity of the open water swimming sessions since its reopening has shown the hunger for outdoor swimming in Cardiff. The desire for competitive and non-competitive outdoor swimming continues to grow, and we are delighted to that another Dwr Cymru site are providing further opportunities to participate.”
Lisvane & Llanishen Activities Manager Jack Bailey added: “It’s incredible to see water sports return to Lisvane & Llanishen and swimming has become the main activity now. It is accessible and it is the sport everyone wants to participate in now, and we are really lucky we can lead the charge for Cardiff and the area.
“The S.A.F.E Cymru accreditation is essential, without it we couldn’t offer open water swimming. It is that benchmark for safety, and being able to tell people we have met those standards gives everyone reassurance.”
S.A.F.E Cymru is an accreditation, developed by Swim Wales in partnership with Welsh Triathlon, designed to support outdoor facility operators across Wales. It has been developed with partners for partners, and is built on decades of our experience and invaluable feedback from operators and end customers.
About S.A.F.E Cymru
S.A.F.E Cymru (Safe Aquatic Facility Endorsement) is a brand new accreditation designed to support the many outdoor facility partners in Wales. It has been developed with partners for partners, and is built on decades of our experience and invaluable feedback from operators and end customers.
S.A.F.E Cymru will help all open water facilities in Wales further promote and progress open water swimming safely. Our world class accreditation will provide the necessary resources and standards which facilities need to meet to ensure safe participation in Wales.
This accreditation has been developed by Swim Wales in partnership with Welsh Triathlon and is recognised by Welsh Government, Sport Wales and AWWSG as the pinnacle of safe aquatic facility standards in Wales.
S.A.F.E Cymru will promote safety and enjoyment in open water swimming through four key strategic objectives, they are:
Safe Facilities: A national governing body accreditation designed with a supportive and continuous assessment process.
Advice and Guidance: The latest up to date information, support and advice from national governing bodies on open water swimming participants at all levels.
Education and Training: A fully resources and expansive training programme to support both the operational workforce at facilities and our participants at all levels
Participation: A clear pathway in Wales that helps our nation enjoy, participate, learn and compete in open water swimming.
For further information about S.A.F.E Cymru please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
