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Swimming in Edinburgh and the Lothians

The city offers a variety of swimming venues, including public pools and outdoor lidos, which cater to recreational swimmers and competitive athletes alike.


Indoor swimming

Edinburgh hosts a range of indoor swimming centres, such as the Royal Commonwealth Pool, which has a huge 50-metre pool with Olympic-level diving boards. Other great options include Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Drum Brae Leisure Centre, Gracemount Leisure Centre, Dalry Swim Centre, Portobello Swim Centre, and Leith Victoria Swim Centre.


Outdoor swimming

For those interested in natural swimming, there are some of the top outdoor spots in and about the Edinburgh area. Portobello Beach offers a long sandy beach with great views for a refreshing dip in the sea. Threipmuir Resovoir offers a great open-water setting in the Pentlands, while Harlaw Reservoir is ideal for those looking for a peaceful swim surrounded by nature.


Swim clubs

Edinburgh and the surrounding area is home to a great swimming community, offering a range of clubs for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Grove ASC is known for its competitive spirit. The club features experienced coaches and focuses on technique and endurance, making it a great choice for those looking to advance their skills. Inverleith ASC welcomes both beginners and experienced players. Warrender Bath Club provides a welcoming environment for swimmers of all ages. They offer competitive swimming coaching and host fun social events that help build camaraderie among members. Portobello ASC offers a friendly atmosphere for swimmers of all ages.


Safety

Although outdoor swimming is great for exploring and seeing the great views we offer, ensure you are doing this safely and within the recommended safety regulations. Swimming in cold, open water can be exhilarating but not without risk. So, if it’s your first-time open water swimming or cold water dipping, speaking to a healthcare professional to discuss the risks of cold water immersion before you go is important. Have a look at the RNLI website for more in-depth information on how to stay safe

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