1. Introduction

1.1 

Your agreement is with Whitmore Lakes. 

1.2 

These terms and conditions form part of your agreement with us and replace any previous terms and conditions. Your membership agreement with us is made up of: 

• your completed membership booking;  

• these terms and conditions; and  

• the site rules, safety guidance and any activity-specific rules that apply at Whitmore Lakes.  

1.3 

Together, these documents form a legal and binding agreement between you and Whitmore Lakes. Please read them carefully before purchasing a membership or using the site. 

1.4 

You, and any guests you bring to Whitmore Lakes, must comply with all site rules, safety instructions and activity guidelines in force at the time of your visit. 

1.5 

Site rules and activity guidance may be updated from time to time and may vary depending on the season, weather conditions, activity type or operational requirements. 

1.6 

Membership gives access only to the facilities, activities and benefits included within your chosen membership type. Access to some areas, sessions or benefits may be restricted depending on your membership. 

1.7 

Memberships may be offered on a monthly or annual basis, as set out at the time of purchase. 

2. Starting Your Agreement

2.1 

Your agreement starts on the date confirmed at the point of purchase. 

2.2 

You may not use Whitmore Lakes under a membership until payment has been received in full or, where applicable, your payment plan has been set up and accepted. 

3. Types of Membership

3.1 

We offer a range of membership types for persons aged 18 and over, unless otherwise stated. 

3.2 

The facilities available to you, the times you may attend, and the price you pay will depend on the membership you have selected. 

3.3 

Membership types may include, but are not limited to: 

• monthly memberships;  

• annual memberships;  

3.4 

Not all membership types are available at all times. Whitmore Lakes reserves the right to withdraw, change or limit any membership category. 

3.5 

Discounted memberships may be offered from time to time and may be subject to eligibility requirements, proof of status, or a promotional booking window. 

3.6 

If you no longer qualify for a discounted membership, we may transfer you to the relevant standard rate and give reasonable notice of the change. 

4. Membership Benefits

4.1 

Membership includes only those benefits listed at the time of purchase. 

4.2 

Membership benefits may include access to designated lakes, member-only swims, selected discounts on events or activities, invitations to member events, or other benefits announced by Whitmore Lakes. 

4.3 

Discounts and benefits are non-transferable and have no cash value. 

4.4 

Any promotional or goodwill benefit offered at any time does not create an ongoing entitlement unless expressly stated as part of the membership. 

5. Membership Fees

5.1 

The cost of membership depends on the type of membership selected. 

5.2 

All fees payable will be confirmed at the point of purchase. 

5.3 

Membership fees remain payable whether or not you use the site, unless your membership has been frozen in accordance with these terms. 

5.4 

When your membership ends, it is your responsibility to ensure any recurring payment instruction is cancelled once all outstanding amounts have been paid. 

6. Payment Options

6.1 

Membership may be paid monthly, annually, or by another instalment option offered by Whitmore Lakes. 

6.2 

Where a payment plan is offered, the terms of that payment plan will be confirmed at the time of purchase. 

6.3 

If you purchase an annual membership through instalments, you remain responsible for completing all agreed payments unless your membership is cancelled under one of the permitted grounds in these terms. 

6.4 

Whitmore Lakes reserves the right to change future pricing, payment options or promotional structures on reasonable notice. 

7. Payment Methods

7.1 

Monthly memberships and instalment plans must be paid by the payment method specified at the time of purchase. 

7.2 

If you are paying by recurring payment, you must ensure your payment details remain valid and up to date. 

7.3 

We may accept alternative payment methods at our discretion. 

8. Failure to Pay

8.1 

If a payment fails or is not received when due, we may suspend your access to Whitmore Lakes until your account is brought up to date. 

8.2 

If payment remains outstanding, we may cancel your membership and recover any outstanding balance owed. 

8.3 

You remain responsible for any unpaid fees due under your membership agreement. 

8.4 

Whitmore Lakes reserves the right to recover unpaid debts using appropriate legal or third-party collection methods where necessary. 

9. Transferring Membership

9.1 

Memberships are personal to the named member and cannot be transferred to another person. 

9.2 

Memberships cannot be shared, reassigned or resold. 

9.3  

A photo will be taken upon joining and held upon your account .  

10. Freezing Your Membership

10.1 

You may request to freeze your membership for a minimum of one month and a maximum of three months. 

10.2 

Any freeze request must be made in accordance with the process set by Whitmore Lakes. 

10.3 

A membership freeze pauses your access for the agreed period and your membership will be extended by the same period. 

10.4 

No use of the site or membership benefits is permitted while your membership is frozen. 

10.5 

Whitmore Lakes may refuse a freeze request where there is outstanding debt on the account. 

11. Your Right to Cancel

11.1 

If you purchase your membership online, you may have a legal right to cancel within 14 days of purchase under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, unless you have already used the membership during that period. 

11.2 

If you wish to cancel within the cooling-off period, you must notify Whitmore Lakes in writing. 

11.3 

After the cooling-off period, cancellation terms depend on your membership type. 

11.4 

Monthly memberships may be cancelled by giving 30days  notice.  

11.5 

Annual memberships and fixed-term memberships are non-refundable except where cancellation is required by law or expressly permitted under these terms. 

11.6 

If your membership includes a fixed commitment period or instalment agreement, cancellation will not remove your obligation to pay any outstanding balance unless Whitmore Lakes agrees otherwise. 

11.7 

Where a valid cancellation request is received, Whitmore Lakes will confirm the end date of your membership in writing. 

12. Refunds

12.1 

Refunds are not normally given for unused membership time, unused sessions, change of circumstances, or changes in personal preference. 

12.2 

Any refund due will be made using the original payment method where possible. 

12.3 

Promotional memberships, discounted memberships and early bird offers are non-refundable unless required by law. 

13. Our Right to Cancel or Suspend Membership

13.1 

Whitmore Lakes may suspend or cancel your membership at any time if: 

• you fail to pay fees when due;  

• you breach these terms and conditions;  

• you breach site rules or safety guidance;  

• you behave in a way that is abusive, threatening, unsafe or inappropriate;  

• you misuse facilities or equipment;  

• you allow another person to use your membership; or  

• your conduct puts staff, guests, members or other visitors at risk.  

13.2 

Where appropriate, access may be suspended immediately while an incident is investigated. 

13.3 

If your membership is cancelled because of your conduct, no refund will be given unless required by law. 

14. Our Right to Change Memberships,Pricesor Terms 

14.1 

Whitmore Lakes may change its membership categories, pricing, opening hours, facilities, site rules or these terms and conditions from time to time. 

14.2 

Where changes are significant and affect existing members, reasonable notice will be given. 

14.3 

Whitmore Lakes may make immediate changes where necessary for safety, legal, environmental or operational reasons. 

15. Our Right to Refuse Membership or Entry

15.1 

Whitmore Lakes reserves the right to refuse any application for membership or entry to the site at its discretion. 

15.2 

Whitmore Lakes may refuse access where it reasonably believes that a person’s behaviour, conduct or condition may pose a risk to themselves, other visitors, staff or the safe operation of the site. 

16. Restarting Membership

16.1 

If you cancel your membership, you may rejoin at any time subject to the membership options and prices available at that time. 

17. Events Beyond Our Reasonable Control

17.1 

Whitmore Lakes will not be liable for any failure or delay in providing services or access where this is caused by events beyond our reasonable control. 

17.2 

This includes, but is not limited to, severe weather, flooding, drought, water quality issues, government restrictions, public health emergencies, utility failures, fire, labour disputes, natural disasters, or any health and safety issue requiring temporary closure or restricted use. 

17.3 

In these circumstances, Whitmore Lakes may temporarily close or restrict access to all or part of the site without compensation, although we will act reasonably and keep disruption to a minimum where possible. 

18. Proof and Identification

18.1 

Whitmore Lakes may require proof of identity, proof of eligibility for any discounted membership, or proof in support of any request to cancel or freeze a membership. 

18.2 

If satisfactory proof is not provided, Whitmore Lakes may refuse the request or transfer the membership to the applicable standard rate. 

18.3 

Whitmore Lakes may require a photograph to be held on your membership record for identification and entry purposes. 

18.4  

All guests under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, with a supervision ratio of no greater than 3:1. The minimum age for children to swim in Swan Lake is 11 years old and aqua sports is 8 years old. The Sauna is for use by over 18s only. 

19. Your Contact Details

19.1 

You must ensure that your contact details are accurate and kept up to date. 

19.2 

Whitmore Lakes may rely on the contact details you have provided for all membership communications. 

20. 20. Guests

20.1 

Guests may attend only where guest access is permitted and the applicable fee has been paid. 

20.2 

All guests must comply with these terms, site rules and activity guidance. 

20.3 

The member introducing a guest is responsible for ensuring that their guest understands and follows the relevant rules. 

20.4 

Whitmore Lakes reserves the right to refuse entry to any guest at its discretion. 

21. 21. Membership and Access

21.1 

Proof of membership or booking must be provided on request. 

22. 22. Photography and Mobile Phones

22.1 

Photography and filming elsewhere on site may only be undertaken for personal use and must not interfere with the privacy, safety or enjoyment of others. 

22.2 

You must not photograph or film any person without their consent. 

22.3  

No filming or photography is permitted in the changing areas.  

22.4 

Whitmore Lakes staff may ask you to stop taking photographs or videos, or to delete content, where there is a complaint, privacy concern, safeguarding concern or breach of site rules. 

23. 23. Safety and Use of Facilities

23.1 

All activities at Whitmore Lakes are undertaken at your own risk unless loss or injury is caused by our negligence.  We are an un-lifeguarded facility, participation in any of our water activities is entirely at your own risk. All persons must check in at Whitmore lakes reception (water activities), or Whitmore hall (classes), prior to commencing their chosen activity. 

23.2 

You are responsible for ensuring that you are medically fit and able to take part in the activity you choose. 

23.3 

You should not enter the water, use the sauna, or take part in any activity if you are unwell, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or otherwise unfit to do so safely. 

23.4 

You must follow all safety signage, staff instructions and activity guidance at all times. 

23.5 

Whitmore Lakes may restrict or remove access to any lake, session, sauna, facility or area at any time for safety, weather, maintenance, environmental or operational reasons. 

23.6 

You must wear appropriate swimwear, footwear and clothing suitable for an outdoor environment at all times. Paths may be uneven, muddy or slippery, and you move around the site at your own risk. 

23.7 

In the event of an emergency or site evacuation, you must follow staff instructions immediately and make your way to the designated assembly point. 

Whitmore Lakes is a smoke-free and vape-free site, including the car parks and all outdoor areas. Smoking or vaping is only permitted in the designated smoking area. 

23.8 

Glass is not permitted around the lakes, saunas, changing areas or pontoons. Only non-glass bottles and containers may be brought onto these areas of the site. 

23.9 

You must keep walkways, jetties and access points clear at all times and store personal belongings in designated areas wherever possible. 

23.10  

all persons must enter and exit the lakes at the specified place. 

23.11   

no person is permitted to dive into the lakes. 

23.12   

all persons participating in a water activity must be confident in the water and able to swim 50m unaided. 

23.13   

between 1st November to 31st march inclusive all persons must ensure they have a tow float attached to them at all times when in the lakes 

23.14 

All attendees will be required to sign and complete a waiver prior to entry into the lakes or surrounding grounds. Any attendee who fails to complete the waiver prior to the date on which they are due to attend will be refused entry into the lakes and their chosen activity 

24. 24. Personal Belongings

24.1 

Whitmore Lakes accepts no liability for theft, loss or damage to personal belongings unless caused by our negligence. 

24.2 

You are responsible for keeping your belongings secure and for not bringing valuables onto the site unless necessary. 

25. 25. Liability

25.1 

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot legally be excluded. 

25.2 

Subject to clause 25.1, Whitmore Lakes is not liable for any indirect, consequential or incidental loss, or for any loss arising from closure, restricted access, weather conditions, water conditions, or temporary unavailability of facilities where this is not due to our negligence. 

25.3 

Whitmore Lakes is not responsible if you ignore medical advice, safety guidance or staff instructions. 

26. 26. Data Protection

26.1 

Whitmore Lakes will process your personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws and its privacy policy. 

26.2 

Your information will be used for the administration of your membership, bookings, payments, communications, safety and operational purposes. 

26.3 

It is your responsibility to ensure that your personal information remains accurate and up to date. 

27. 27. General

27.1 

If any part of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining sections will continue to apply. 

27.2 

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. 

27.3 

Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. 

28. 28.Complaints 

28.1  

The company always welcome feedback from its customers and whilst it always uses all reasonable endeavours to ensure that a customer’s experience is a positive one, the company nevertheless wants to hear from any customer if they have any cause for complaint. If the customer has any complaint about the lakes or any of our staff, please raise the matter with the General Manager who can be contacted at reception or by email on info@whitmorelakes.co.uk  

29 

29.1 Sauna rules  

  the following additional entry conditions apply to use of the sauna: 

(a)        only adults with a valid sauna ticket may use the sauna; 

(b)        no more than the advertised number of persons are permitted in the sauna at any time; 

(c)        nudity is not permitted; 

(d)        jewellery should be removed before entering the sauna to prevent burning. All persons should ensure their swimsuit does not contain any slimming panels or metal parts which may heat up and possibly burn skin; 

(e)        a person must not spend more than 15 minutes in the sauna at any one time and must leave the sauna immediately if they start to feel uncomfortable, dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded; 

(f)         all persons must take care and move slowly as they exit the sauna; 

(g)       We recommend you bring a towel to sit on inside the sauna. This helps to keep the sauna clean and protect the benches from body oils; 

(h)        the entry space to the sauna can be used to store personal belongings during your sauna session but all persons do so at their own risk. The company accepts no responsibility or liability for missing, lost or stolen possessions; 

(i)         follow operators’ instructions on how to gently drizzle water onto the hot rocks only. Use the ladle provided to ensure that your arm stays away from the stove and the hot steam that will arise. Only pour the ‘sauna water’ (provided in the bucket inside the sauna) on the hot rocks and nothing else. This should only be done intermittently to ensure the temperature does not increase too quickly and only when all users are seated. Never throw water on the stones; 

(j)         lakeside sauna; never touch the stove or open the stove door. Only trained members of staff are permitted to operate the stove and will be nearby for any queries. 

(k)        portasauna; you will be given a full safety brief on how to refill your sauna if required during your allotted booking time. The sauna will be lit for you at the beginning of your booking time, should it go out fully, please contact reception for assistance. 

(l)         do not hang towels or clothes to dry in the sauna, as this may cause a risk of fire; 

(m)       keeping access points clear to allow other users to exit safely and swiftly if needed; 

(n)        be very careful when moving in the sauna, as the platform and floors may be slippery; 

(o)        to prevent your body from dehydration, drink plenty of cool water after leaving the sauna. Please bring sufficient drinking water with you; 

(p)        never drink alcoholic beverages before or during sauna use. You will be asked to leave site, without refund should you do so. 

(q)        do not eat just before you use the sauna or inside the sauna; 

(r)        all persons using the open water as a ‘cold plunge’ do so at their own risk. It is recommended to rest for at least ten minutes after finishing your sauna session. Find a cool place where you can sit still. This will give your body some time to rebalance and for your heart rate to slow down.