Swimmers and coaches from across the East Region came together at Stanborough Lakes for the 2026 Regional Open Water Development Day, enjoying a packed programme of learning, development and practical open water experience at one of the Region’s premier open water venues.
The event welcomed athletes of all ages and abilities, united by a shared passion for open water swimming and a desire to develop their skills within the discipline. Throughout the day, participants benefited from a combination of classroom-based workshops and in-water sessions designed to enhance both their technical understanding and race-day performance.
Key topics included navigation, race preparation, tactical decision-making and pack swimming, with swimmers given the opportunity to put their learning into practice through structured training activities and race simulations. The programme provided valuable insight into the unique challenges of open water racing while helping athletes build confidence and develop the skills required for competition.
A major milestone for this year’s Development Day was the introduction of a dedicated Masters programme for the first time. The addition reflects the Region’s ongoing commitment to supporting swimmers at every stage of their aquatic journey, extending development opportunities beyond age-group athletes and creating a pathway for Masters swimmers to further improve their open water knowledge, skills and performance.
The new Masters programme proved a popular addition, bringing together swimmers from across the Region and strengthening the sense of community that continues to underpin the growth of open water swimming. Its success marks an exciting step forward in expanding the Region’s open water offering and creating more inclusive opportunities for participation and development.
The Development Day forms part of the Region’s wider commitment to growing engagement in open water swimming and supporting athletes to explore, enjoy and excel within the sport. By providing access to high-quality coaching, education and practical experience, the event continues to play an important role in developing the next generation of open water swimmers while supporting those already active within the discipline.
The Region would like to extend its sincere thanks to the coaches, volunteers, team managers, officials and event organisers whose dedication and hard work ensured the success of the day. Their commitment helped create a positive, enjoyable and rewarding experience for all participants, making the 2026 Regional Open Water Development Day another memorable occasion in the Region’s calendar.