Hertfordshire Open Water Championships 2026
(held as part of the Swim England East Region Open Water Championships 2025) Whitlingham Country Park • 12 July 2026 Another strong year for open water in the East. On 12 July more than 400 swimmers from clubs right across the region gathered at Whitlingham Country Park for the Swim England East Region
Open Water Championships, which once again doubled as the Hertfordshire County Championships.
The rising entry numbers are clear evidence that open water swimming continues to grow in popularity. Hertfordshire made its presence felt with 83 competitors – the largest county contingent on the day – underlining the depth of talent and enthusiasm within the county.
Choppy but Exciting Conditions
Water temperature held steady at 23°C, so wetsuits were not permitted. A cool breeze blew across the lake throughout the day, creating choppy conditions that tested every swimmer’s open-water technique and decision-making. While the water was livelier than in some previous years, the racing remained fair and the atmosphere stayed positive.
Spectators lined the banks with the usual mix of tents, deck chairs and picnic blankets, turning the lakeside into a lively festival of support and encouragement.
Six Counties, One Stage
Athletes from all six East Region counties – Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk – lined up together. Combining the regional and county championships continues to deliver bigger heats, stronger competition and a genuine “big meet” feel that benefits everyone who takes part.
Hertfordshire’s Day
County results were extracted from the regional rankings as usual. Hertfordshire swimmers produced a string of strong performances, with 13 athletes earning National Age Group qualification (look for the NAG-Q marker in the full results). Congratulations to every one of them. Medals and championship pennants were presented by Nicola Rixst President of Swim England Hertfordshire. Our thanks go to her for giving up her time, and to all the Hertfordshire coaches who prepared their swimmers so well for the open-water challenge.
Thank You
Events of this scale only happen because of the hard work of a dedicated organising team. Special thanks to Paul Kendal and everyone who helped plan, staff and run the day. Their efforts turned a busy championship into a memorable celebration of the sport.
Onwards to Rother Valley Country Park – see you there.
Jeremy Irvine – Hertfordshire Open Water Manager (openwater@swimherts.org)
