The Southern Lakes Swimming Club is marking the start of its summer season with a free open day.
Club president Paul Jaquin says it is opening up its 1.25km swimming lane in Frankton Arm, between the Coastguard base and Scout Hut, from 9am.
A kayaker and a stand-up paddleboarder will be providing support, and people can swim for as long as they like.
"We’ll have a bunch of experienced swimmers and club members answering questions about swimming in Lake Whakatipu and how the club works."
Jaquin says membership’s grown to nearly 100 since the club was formed in 2017, attracting a wide cross-section of the community.
There are younger temporary workers, retired people, competitive swimmers and triathletes, men and women.
The common denominator is an interest in wellness and fitness, and an enjoyment of swimming in the wild, he says.
"There’s no chlorine or worrying about people in lanes.
"It’s a sense of freedom and a connection with the wild.
"That’s the way swimming is supposed to be, I’d say, rather than swimming inside a building."
As well as running its weekly swim for members on Saturday mornings, the club promotes safe open water swimming in the Southern Lakes, and runs training sessions and events.
A limited number of tow floats, swim caps and wetsuits will be available to borrow this Saturday.
There’ll also be a barbecue and coffee, and a chance for new and existing members to win spot prizes.
- Southern Lakes Swimming Club’s free open day, Saturday, 9-11am, Sugar Ln, Frankton. For more information see slsc.co.nz/open-day-2025/
