Scotman's Flash

🚨 We’re Hiring! 🚨
Be Well Outdoors is looking for Casual Multi Activity Instructors to join our fantastic team! 🌿

This is a great opportunity for enthusiastic individuals to deliver high-quality outdoor activity sessions to a range of groups across any of our sites or with any of our services - Scotman's Flash water sports, Haigh High Ropes & Adventure & woodland park for forest schools and Bikeability.

✅ Make a real difference in your local community
✅ Work in a unique outdoor environment
✅ Be part of a passionate and dedicated team

If you’re enthusiastic, reliable, and ready to get stuck in - we want to hear from you!

👉 Find out more and apply here: https://apply.greater.jobs/wigan/Internal/Job/JobDetail?jobid=3010

📅 Don’t miss out - check the closing date and get your application in!

Share this post to help us spread the word 🙌

Our open water swimming sessions here at Scotman's Flash are going from strength to strength!

🗓️ Sessions available:
Mondays:
9:30am (Open)
11:30am (Ladies only)
1:30pm (Men only)
3:00pm (Over 50s)

Weds / Thurs / Fri:
7:00am (Open)

Here's a few FAQ's which might be helpful ahead of booking your session....
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✅ GENERAL INFORMATION

❓ Where is the swim held?
🗣️ All sessions take place at Scotman's Flash Activity Centre (WN3 5HJ).

❓ Do I need to book?
🗣️ Yes - sessions should be pre-booked via the Be Well App where possible. Alternatively, you can book here...
- https://bewellwigan.gladstonego.cloud/book
(Be Well Outdoors > Scotman’s Flash: Open Water Swimming)

❓ Can I just turn up?
🗣️ We recommend booking in advance. Availability and safety ratios are controlled per session.

❓ Is it open all year?
🗣️ Yes - we operate year-round, subject to weather, water temperature, and water quality.

❓ How will I know if a session is cancelled?
🗣️ Closures are communicated via the Be Well App and social media channels.
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🏊 ABILITY & AGE

❓ Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
🗣️ For normal sessions you must be able to swim a minimum distance of 200m and be confident in open water conditions. We will run specific themed sessions that will state if the ability is different.

❓ What is the minimum age?
• Minimum age is 16 years for our standard sessions
• 16–17-year-olds must have a responsible adult on site
• Other sessions will be advertised with Ages posted in them like 11-16 year old set swims.
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🧢 WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

❓ What should I wear?
• A swimming costume is mandatory
• A brightly coloured swim hat or a tow float must be worn at all times

❓ Do I need a wetsuit?
🗣️ Wetsuits are strongly recommended, especially in cooler water, but not compulsory.

❓ Can I wear extras like gloves or boots?
🗣️ Yes - neoprene gloves, boots, socks, and hats are all allowed.

❓ Should I bring a tow float?
🗣️ Tow floats are optional but strongly recommended for visibility and safety. We do not provide these onsite.
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🌡️ WATER & CONDITIONS

❓ How cold is the water?
🗣️ Water temperature is checked and displayed before every session.

❓ What happens in cold water?
• Below 16°C → wetsuits recommended
• Below 12°C → shorter swims and monitored sessions
• Very cold water may be restricted to experienced swimmers

❓ Do you check water quality?
🗣️ Yes - water is tested before every session, with additional professional testing throughout the year.
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🚩 SAFETY

❓ Is there safety cover?
🗣️ Yes - every session has:
• At least 3 trained staff which includes;
• Water-based rescue staff
• Land-based safety team

❓ What safety equipment is on site?
🗣️ We have:
• Rescue craft a combination of (kayaks, paddleboards, powerboat)
• Throw lines
• First aid kit & defibrillator
• Radios and emergency signalling systems

❓ Do I have to stay in a certain area?
🗣️ Yes - all swimming must stay within the marked buoyed course.

❓ How do you keep track of swimmers?
🗣️ We operate a swim band system to maintain a live headcount at all times.
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🚨 EMERGENCIES & SIGNALS

❓ What do I do if I hear the ho**er?
🗣️ A continuous ho**er means evacuate immediately - exit the water straight away.

❓ What do the flags mean?
• 🟢 Green flag = normal swimming
• 🟠 Orange flag = Normal swimming but no launching of further participants
• No flag + ho**er = emergency evacuation

❓ What happens if someone gets into difficulty?
Our trained team will:
• Respond immediately using rescue equipment or advise you where you can stand
• Assist the swimmer to shore
• Provide first aid and ongoing care
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❄️ COLD WATER & AFTERCARE

❓ What if I get cold?
🗣️ If you feel cold:
• Exit the water immediately
• Inform a member of staff
• We provide blankets, warm drinks, and shelter

❓ What is hypothermia awareness?
🗣️ Staff are trained to identify and manage hypothermia, including:
• Gradual rewarming
• Monitoring and support
• Escalation if needed
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📋 ON THE DAY

❓ What happens when I arrive?
🗣️ You will:
1. Check in
2. Receive a swim band
3. Attend a safety briefing
4. Review the course and conditions

❓ Can I enter the water anytime?
🗣️ No - entry is controlled and closes 30 minutes before the session ends.

❓ What happens at the end of the session?
🗣️ All swimmers must:
• Exit promptly
• Return their swim band
• Be accounted for before session close
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🤔 RECENT POPULAR QUESTIONS

❓ “Can I swim outside of session times?”
🗣️ No - swimming is only permitted during official supervised sessions.

❓ “Can beginners come?”
🗣️ Yes, if you meet the minimum swim ability and stay within your limits.

❓ “Can I bring a friend to watch?”
🗣️ Yes - spectators are welcome but must stay in designated safe areas. (we also sell on site tea & coffee!)

❓ “Are there changing facilities?”
🗣️ Yes, a brand new changing facility is onsite with lovely warm showers - bringing warm layers is strongly advised.

❓ “Can I wear a wetsuit in summer?”
🗣️ Yes - it’s your choice based on comfort.
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👍 FINAL TIPS

• Always swim within your ability
• Listen to the safety briefing
• Respect safety signals immediately
• If in doubt – ask a member of staff

💙 Ready to Give It a Go?
Your first swim is always the hardest step - but also the most rewarding.

We’ll be there to support you every step (and stroke) of the way 🏊‍♂️

Please remember unauthorised swimming is prohibited at Scotman’s Flash.

Jumping into open water can be fatal. Cold water shock kills and you don’t know what’s lurking beneath the surface.

If you are interested in open water swimming as a sport or hobby, we (and other providers in other locations in the North West) have safe, dedicated sessions that are fully supervised by qualified instructors.

Unauthorised swimming is prohibited for a reason. Please respect the water.

If you notice someone in trouble in the water, remember: Phone, Float, Throw - it could save their life.

- Phone 999 to get help (ask for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS)).
- Tell them to stay calm and float on their back.
- Throw rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive.

This is why we do it. Look at these happy faces! Absolutely smashed it guys. Well done to you all and thanks for coming 🥰🤗 more pics to follow.

Year 4 Learning Together Trust Experience
The children arrived safely and following the safety briefing and getting the right equipment are ready to go out on to the water at Scotman's Flash
How exciting!

How's that for a forecast! ☀️

Couldn't be better conditions for some action on the water here at Scotman's Flash!

Choose From:
✅Kayaking 🛶
✅Stand up Paddleboarding 🏄🏻
✅Canoeing 🚣🏻
✅Open water swimming 🏊🏻

We've got it all! 🙌🏻

📲 Book your session via the Be Well app or the link in the comments...

🌊What a beautiful morning for a swim here at Scotman's Flash!

Calm waters, fresh air, and beautiful surroundings - there’s no better way to start the day!

It’s been fantastic to see swimmers already making the most of the course and our amazing new changing facilities whilst enjoying our wonderful clean waters.

Looking to clear your mind? Build your confidence or boost your fitness? There's few things better than open water swimming!

Remember, Sessions are running:
Mondays
• 9:30am (Open)
• 11:30am (Ladies only)
• 1:30pm (Men only)
• 3:00pm (Over 50s)

Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
• 7:00am (Open)

✅ Safe, controlled and supervised
✅ Beautiful natural setting
✅ Brand new changing facilities with hot showers

Before you come along, please remember:
✔️ You must be able to swim 200m
✔️ You’ll need either a tow float or a hi-vis swim cap
✔️ Wetsuits are optional

Ready to dive in and experience it for yourself? Book now as spaces are starting the fill up!

📲 Book your session via the Be Well app or the link in the comments

Look at these happy faces!! Love this pics from Low Bank Ground 🥰

Aww look at these pics - thanks for coming 🤗🥰

Keep the kids healthy & active this summer up at Low Bank Ground with their Summer activity Club! ☀️ - Outdoor adventures for 7-11 year olds!

Pre-book your places at [email protected]

🌞 LOW BANK GROUND - SUMMER ACTIVITY CLUB 🌞
Outdoor adventures for 7-11 year olds this August!

Looking for a fun, active day for your child this summer? Our Summer Activity Club offers a full day of exciting, instructor-led lake adventures on the stunning shores of Coniston.

From kayaking and canoeing to sailing and paddleboarding, every day is packed with opportunities to build confidence, make new friends, and enjoy the great outdoors.

📍 Dates & Times
📅 Monday - Friday
📆 3-7 & 10-14 August
⏰ 10am - 4pm

💧 What’s included:
✅ Full day of supervised water-based activities
✅ Experienced, qualified instructors
✅ All equipment provided
✅ Safe, supportive, and fun environment
✅ Incredible lakeside setting at Low Bank Ground

❓What to bring:
🥪 A packed lunch, a drink, and suitable outdoor clothing.

💷 Pricing:
• £15 per day (for families in the funded South Cumbria / Coniston area, supported by the Rawdon Smith Trust)
• £45 per day (for those outside the funded area - everyone welcome!)

🌲 Who’s it for?
🏃🏻Children aged 7-11 who love being active, trying new things, and exploring the outdoors.

👉 Spaces are limited - pre-book your places at [email protected]