Swimmers are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes before their scheduled swim time. This allows enough time to prepare, receive any safety briefings, and ensure you are ready to enter the water promptly.

Participants must be at least 9 years old to swim at Harthill Reservoir. Anyone under the age of 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. All participants must adhere to the rules and safety guidelines outlined by Yorkshire Outdoor Swimmers (YOS) and Rotherham Sailing Club.

Safety measures include the presence of spotters and safety craft to monitor swimmers. All swimmers are required to wear a brightly coloured swim hat for visibility. If an emergency signal (siren or air horn) is sounded, all swimmers must immediately return to shore and exit the water. Swimmers should be capable of swimming 100 meters unaided and are expected to swim entirely at their own risk.

If you have a medical condition or are taking medication that may affect your ability to swim, you must notify a member of the YOS team.

Yes, swimmers must access the water only from the designated area in front of the clubhouse. Access from adjacent finishing pegs, the dam wall, the bridge, or any other areas is strictly prohibited. Jumping or diving from the jetty is also not allowed due to fluctuating water levels.

Swimmers are advised to drink fluids before swimming, cover any open sores, and avoid swimming if they have an infection risk. Be cautious of slippery surfaces, sharp stones, and potential hazards like fishing lines. After swimming, dry off and dress quickly to retain body heat. If you feel unwell after a swim, especially with symptoms of gastroenteritis, notify YOS Admin and seek medical advice.