At Medicine Festival we are blessed to have a beautiful Swimming Lake. Many make a pilgrimage to the lake to bathe, swim or heal amidst the festival activities, and for many has become a sacred part of the Medicine experience. The Swimming Lake and all who visit are looked after by our Medicine Festival Lifeguards and Lake Guardians, and is open to everyone.
How to Find the Swimming Lake:
The Swimming Lake (or ‘Middle Lake’) is a 5-10 minute walk up a winding path from the far side of the main festival site. The path opens out into an oasis of luscious green trees and a beautiful blue lake.
Opening Times and Accessibility:
The Medicine Festival Swimming Lake is open for bathing at the following times:
Thursday 2pm – 8pm
Friday 9am – 7pm
Saturday 9am – 7pm
Sunday 9am – 7pm
For your own safety (and however tempting!), please do not enter the Swimming Lake outside of these times.
To protect the Lake’s habitat and to keep you safe, a maximum of 40 swimmers will be allowed in at any one time. If the Swimming Lake becomes very busy, we will limit swimming time to 20 minute sessions. Please note, the Sauna Jetty is managed by the Wasing Estate and is not accessible to those entering the Swimming Lake.
Staying Safe and Well at the Swimming Lake:
Please respect the natural biodiversity of the Lake, and those sharing the water with you by following our water safety and wellbeing guidelines:
- We have a designated entry and exit point to protect both you and the biodiversity around the Lake. Please only enter and exit the Swimming Lake from the jetty on the near side.
- Please don’t jump or dive in – the Swimming Lake is surprisingly shallow!
- The bank and jetty can become very slippery so please take extra care when entering and exiting the Lake
- Children need to be accompanied by an adult at all times, please.
- Sunscreens, oils, shampoos, soaps, shower gels, etc (even eco-friendly products) will pollute and damage the Lake’s natural biodiversity – they are prohibited in the Swimming Lake
- Please leave your inflatables, paddle boards, kayaks etc at home.
- Only swim within the designated swimming zone, so we can see you and you can see us!
- Check in with yourself physically and mentally before and after bathing – stay hydrated, keep warm, and avoid intoxicants!
Please note – there are no toilet facilities at the Swimming Lake.
Medicine Festival Lifeguards and Lake Guardians are present at the Lake for your safety and well-being, do not hesitate to ask for support if you need it.