BN National Swimming Gala

Saturday 22nd April - Watford

It has been confirmed that the BN National Swimming Gala will take place in Watford at the Woodside Leisure Centre on Saturday 22nd April.

Woodside is an 8-lane short-course competition pool featuring starting blocks and electronic timing. There is a café that will be open during the gala.

Cost per swimmer £16 (BN Member) / £20 (Club Member) – unlimited races
Accompanied supporter £14 (must be booked with swimmer pass)

Registration for races is done on the night – please book a ticket for the gala in advance.

The British Naturism Swimming Gala is open to British Naturism Members and guests from British Naturism Member Clubs.
Competing in this gala gives eligibility to swim in the INF Swimming Gala later in the year.

For all information and booking, please click here.

Arrivals

You may arrive at 5.45 to register – PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE THIS TIME

Warm-up will start from 6.00

Registration will close at 6.15

Races will start at 6.45

There is a large car park next to the pool. On arrival you will be greeted at the door and have your ticket checked – you will then proceed to the Café to pick up your race registration cards and fill them in and book and pay for the optional curry meal. Meal to be paid for in Cash, for meal and in restaurant.

Café

The Café will be open up to the end of the break at Race 53. This serves hot & cold drinks plus light snacks & refreshments.

Race Information For those how have never done the gala - you will decide on the night what races you are swimming in by filling out a race-card. Once you have filled out a race card you keep hold of it until your event number is called. Once your event number is called, swimmers will line-up to compete - at the point of racing you hand your card to the lane marshal who will note your time etc... It sounds far more complex than it is but the main point to note is there are not 72 individual races. Often multiple event numbers occur at the same time in one race. This makes it much faster and is a better swimming experience for those taking part. Race information and event numbers are detailed below – it would be useful if you can look at this prior to arrival so you have an idea of the races you would like to take part in. You only need to commit to anything at the point of the race number being called.

A reminder that by entering an event you are declaring yourself fit to swim and that you can comfortably swim two lengths - 50m (or 1 length – 25m for Swimmers U10). Can I also remind those who have cups & trophies from previous galas to bring them along on the night.

A couple of small changes to the gala this year: • Everyone taking part will receive a dated participation medal - this is a really nice new custom medal • Race winners (Bronze/Silver/Gold) will receive a certificate for each race - this replaces the cheap old medals • Everyone will be given their times and race placement (hopefully on the night - if not soon after)

Judges & Time-keepers

The event is being run as a level 4 Swim England Gala but with our own volunteers; these include experienced competition swimmers, and a qualified swimming teacher. Times cannot count for Swim England qualifications but will count for the INF gala.

Additional Activities

We will be off to the Cinnamon Lodge in Abbots Langley, Watford for a shared Buffet, including Mixed Starter, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Balti, Veg / Vegan curry, Rice, Nann bread. It will be £23 per person. To be paid at registration in cash, when you check in. We will not be taking cards, BRING CASH for meal to us at registration and drinks individually at the restaurant in CASH, no cards. It's a five-minute car journey https://www.cinnamonlodge.uk/

Location: 39-41 High St, Abbots Langley WD5 0AA

Price :£23pp Cash at registration 5.45 until 6.15

When: after the gala About 10.30

https://www.cinnamonlodge.uk/

BOOK HERE https://shop.bn.org.uk/products/april-22nd-british-naturism-swimminggala?variant=42889837609111