Families and Children

Q-Lake is for families and children, from May to September

Whilst we are an adult-only venue in the winter months, children are very welcome at Pool Bridge Farm throughout the spring and summer. We love encouraging kids to spend time in nature, discover the joys of wild swimming, and learn about water safety—all while falling in love with a pastime we think can’t be beaten.

Q Lake – Family & Paddle Boarding Lake (In summer and Spring)

Q Lake is our largest lake (bigger than the other three combined!) and the perfect spot for families and paddle boarders during spring and summer. With plenty of space in the water and grassy banks around the edges for picnics, it’s a favourite for newcomers and regulars alike. You’ll often hear squeals of joy followed by big splashes as children and ‘big kids’ alike leap off the jetties.

The lake ranges in depth from 12ft to shallow areas where children can stand. For safety:

  • The lake is divided into two:

    • One side for paddle boarding and kayaks (after 10am). All slots need to be pre-booked. See our SUP page for information

    • The other for swimming and small inflatables (under 1.5m)

  • There is no swimming in the paddle boarding side

  • For safety reasons, no inflatable dinghy-style boats are allowed in any of our lakes

To protect wildflowers and avoid steep drops, please enter and exit the lake via jetties or ramps. Jumping is only allowed from the ends of jetties where water depth is safe.

Swimming Safely with Children

  • Non-swimmers or weak swimmers must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and be within arm’s reach of an adult at all times.

  • All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (not a friend who is just a few years older than them). The maximum adult to child ratio is 1:3, with non-swimmers needing 1:1 supervision in the water.

  • PFDs are strongly recommended for all children, even confident swimmers, as swimming in a lake is very different from a pool and there is a risk of cold water shock or swim failure even in the summer months.

  • Acclimatise to the water before jumping in; cold water shock can happen even at higher temperatures, and children may panic if unprepared.

  • Children under 18 must be closely supervised at all times. Strong swimmers aged 11+ may be supervised from the bank, as long as parents are actively watching. Under 11s or non-swimmers must have an adult in the water with them.

  • No unaccompanied teens—safety comes first!

  • All parents must complete a waiver on behalf of their child before arrival at the lakes,

  • The best experience is for adults to join children in the water and have some fun together.

Children are allowed in the water once child swim tickets are available online. Even in spring, when tickets become available, the water may still be very cold—suitable only for hardy older children in wetsuits. Keep time in the water to a minimum until it’s warmer and children have fully acclimatised.

Tips:

  • Bring warm layers and hot drinks

  • Familiarise yourself with hypothermia signs and symptoms on our Outdoor Swimming Safety page

  • Please do your research and make sure you know where the life rings and air horns are located before you swim. Further information, including video tutorials on how to use our safety equipment, can be found here: Health & Safety Information — Pool Bridge Farm