Est. 2026 · The Lake District
Cold water.
Mountain air.
Questionable decisions.
A warm welcome from the Red Tarn Swimmers Association—despite the water being anything but.
Welcome one and all
Open to absolutely everyone.
Established in 2026, the Red Tarn Swimmers Association brings together people with a shared appreciation of cold water, mountain air and highly questionable decision-making.
Despite appearances, membership is open to absolutely everyone. No previous cold-water swimming experience is required—just a sense of humour, respect for others and a willingness to accept that the water will almost certainly be colder than expected.
A refreshingly simple process
Membership in seven easy steps.
Applications from swimmers of every background, ability and level of common sense are warmly welcomed.
Express a vague interest in joining.
Confirm that you own—or can borrow—appropriate swimwear.
Acknowledge that Red Tarn is not heated.
Demonstrate a basic ability to locate the Lake District.
Complete an informal character assessment.
Await the committee’s careful deliberations over suitable refreshments.
Receive formal approval, subject to the Vice Chair remembering to reply.
Membership enquiries
Begin the assessment.
Dan Chandler
Vice Chair & Head of the Application Assessment Committee