Have a question about Clevedon Marine Lake? Our FAQs are here to help. Whether you’re planning your first swim, bringing the family for a day out, or just curious about how the lake is run, you’ll find answers to the most common questions here. From safety and facilities to events and how the lake is cared for, this section is designed to give you the information you need before your visit.
The lake overtops approximately every two weeks during spring tides of 12.6m or more, refreshing the water with seawater from the Bristol Channel. Spring tides occur twice each lunar month during the full and new moon phases.
Clevedon Marine Lake is filled with seawater from the Bristol Channel and is more sensitive to air temperature than the open sea. Water temperatures typically range between 3°C and 19°C. Guide sea temperatures are available here.
Dry off in a sheltered spot while standing on an insulated mat or towel, then layer up, including a warm hat. Drink something hot and warm up slowly. You may continue cooling for 20–30 minutes post-swim. Shivering is natural—it helps generate body heat. Only drive when you’re warm and no longer shivering.
If you’re not wearing a wetsuit, a general guide is 1 minute of swimming per degree Celsius of water temperature. Beginners should limit swims to 2–3 minutes. Only enter if you’re a confident swimmer. Use the steps near the model boat lake for a gradual entry and shallower depth. Shift your mindset from distance swimming to “winter dipping.” Exit immediately if you feel uncomfortable or begin to shiver.
Enter the water slowly and calmly to control your breathing and prevent cold shock. Never jump in. Ideally, swim when other winter swimmers are present. Cold shock is a natural reaction—marked by gasping, increased breathing and heart rate—and lasts up to two minutes. Take your time and breathe steadily before swimming.
If you have any health concerns, consult your GP before swimming in cold water. Acclimatisation is best achieved by gradually adjusting through regular dips in cooler water from September onward. Cold water tolerance varies from person to person and can fluctuate daily. Don’t push yourself—know your limits and stay within them.
Cold water (or winter) swimming typically refers to water temperatures below 10°C, usually from November to April. These temperatures can cause pain and numbness, especially in hands, feet, and ears. Neoprene gloves, socks, hats, and earplugs can help reduce heat loss. Wind chill also affects how cold you feel, so always check the weather before swimming.
No, Clevedon Marine Lake is unsupervised. All users are responsible for their own safety. Swimmers, paddle boarders, canoeists, sailors, and model boaters are welcome—though powered craft and large inflatables are not permitted. As visibility is poor and two-thirds of the lake is under 5 feet deep, diving is strictly prohibited.
There are no changing facilities, so swimmers typically leave clothes on the side. A cold-water shower is available on the community boat store located on the upper promenade above the children’s splash pool.
Most swimmers enter the water from the steps at the wooded end and swim along the sea wall, where the depth exceeds 2 metres at the Wains Hill end. The lake shelves gradually towards the splash pool, and the edges are only around 1 metre deep—making diving dangerous. Please consult the depth maps posted around the lake before entering.
From April to September, Clevedon Sailing Club holds weekly sessions for novice sailors. These sailors are still learning and may struggle to control their boats or respond to sudden changes, such as wind gusts or other lake users.
During these sessions, swimmers, paddle boarders, and canoeists are asked to stay at the island end of the lake. A rope with floats will clearly separate the sailing area from the rest of the lake. This creates a safe zone for swimmers and other users, running from the island toward the pumphouse steps. Please respect this barrier to ensure everyone’s safety, and check the Lake Calendar before your visit.
Dogs are not permitted at Clevedon Marine Lake due to health risks. Even small amounts of dog waste can contaminate the water, which is used for swimming daily. A No Dogs order is in place, and fines may be issued. Dogs are allowed on the upper promenade, Poet’s Walk, and nearby beaches, provided owners clean up after them.
There are no changing rooms or public toilets at the lake. The nearest public toilets (20p) are behind the Café/Arcade at the lake’s eastern end. As with beaches, many visitors change al fresco.
Parking is available at the public pay-and-display car park at Salthouse Fields (BS21 7TR). Free street parking is available on Old Church Road and Elton Road, but spaces are limited. Please do not park in The Salthouse pub car park, which uses automatic number plate recognition and is reserved for customers.
You can make a donation via our website by clicking on the donate button or you can become a Friend of MARLENS and give a regular amount to help support the upkeep of the lake.
Use of the lake is free, but donations are appreciated to help MARLENS maintain the space. Please “give £2 each time you’re down” via lakeside donation boxes and QR codes. Qualified coaches must register with MARLENS for commercial sessions, and fees apply. Clubs and schools can also become members. For hire or membership enquiries, contact us.
Clevedon Marine Lake is open access and available for public use all year round. However, because it is a sea pool, it is affected by tides. During high spring tides of 12.6m or more, the lake overtops and refreshes with seawater. In rough weather, overtopping may occur at slightly lower heights.
We advise against accessing the lake or lower promenades during overtopping. On rare occasions, the lake may be hired for exclusive use or drained for maintenance. Please consult the Events Programme for up-to-date information.
Yes, model boats may be used in the small boating lake near the Salthouse pub. Engine-powered full-size boats are not allowed.
Yes, but only if:
The barbecue is raised off the concrete to avoid damage.
No food scraps or debris enter the lake.
All rubbish is removed and either binned or taken home.
Do not use benches as barbecue stands.
Hydrofoils and motorised boats are not permitted on Clevedon Marine Lake for safety and environmental reasons.
No. Windsurfing is not permitted for safety reasons, as it is incompatible with swimming and other activities in the lake.
Lost items are collected by MARLENS volunteers and stored in the boathouse next to the HM Coastguard Rescue Station (above the splash pool). To enquire about lost property, please contact us here.
The flags along the upper promenade are provided and maintained by North Somerset Council.
We’d love to see your photos! Email them to: [email protected] for a chance to be featured in our Gallery.
MARLENS have a fantastic group of volunteers who meet at various times during the week and at weekends. Volunteers help with litter picking and seaweed clearing, especially after overtopping tides. New volunteers are always welcome—please get in touch via the website link to learn more about how to get involved.