Families & Children
Family time by the lakes
Whitmore Lakes is a peaceful wellness venue, created for visitors to enjoy open water, nature and time outdoors in calm, beautiful surroundings. Children and families are welcome during the summer season, but lake access is only available for children taking part in an age-appropriate, supervised activity.
Children aged 11 and over may take part in open water swimming when accompanied by a responsible adult in the lake. Children aged 8 and over may take part in paddleboarding and watersports with the correct adult supervision in place.
Children, siblings, babies and toddlers who are not taking part in a booked activity are not permitted to spectate around the lakes. This helps us protect the safety of all visitors, preserve the calm atmosphere and care for the natural environment around the water.
With the right booking, guidance and supervision, Whitmore Lakes is a wonderful place for families to enjoy the water together.
Children and family rules
- Children aged 8 and over may take part in paddleboarding and watersports, with the correct adult supervision in place.
- Children aged 8 to 13 must be accompanied on the water by a responsible adult during paddleboarding or watersports.
- Children aged 14 to 17 must be accompanied to site by a responsible adult who remains at Whitmore Lakes throughout the session.
- All children taking part in paddleboarding or watersports must wear a suitable buoyancy aid or life jacket at all times.
The sauna is available to adults aged 16 years and over. Guests aged 16 to 17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 and over.
- Photography and filming of children must only include children in your care. Please do not photograph or film other children or visitors without consent, and never take photos or videos in changing areas.
- All children and families must respect the peaceful setting, wildlife, staff and other visitors while on site.
- A responsible adult or guardian must complete a waiver for every child before they take part in any activity.
- Children must be supervised responsibly at all times while on site.
All other children regardless of age who are not taking part in a booked activity are not permitted to spectate around the lakes.
- Children aged 11 and over may swim if they are competent swimmers, able to swim at least 50m unaided, and accompanied by a responsible adult in the water.
- Each adult may supervise a maximum of three children and must remain present, attentive and responsible throughout the activity.
- Children must only enter and exit the water at designated points and only when their supervising adult is present.
- Diving, jumping, pushing, splashing games and rough play are not permitted in or around the lakes.
- Ball games and running around the lakes are not permitted, to help keep the site safe, calm and respectful for all visitors.
Children and water safety
Whitmore Lakes is an un-lifeguarded open water venue, so parents and guardians remain responsible for the children in their care at all times. Children must be supervised closely in and around the lakes, follow all safety rules and only enter the water when it is safe and permitted to do so.
To help children and families feel more confident around open water, we encourage booking a Kuotos Swim open water session or child-specific water safety class. These sessions are designed to help children understand the water, build confidence and learn practical safety skills in a supportive environment.
Emergency buoys are located around the lakes and an emergency contact number is available on site should someone get into difficulty. Most importantly, please remind children of the Float to Live message: if they get into difficulty in the water, they should stay calm, float on their back, control their breathing and call for help.
Is this your first visit to Whitmore Lakes?
Find everything you need before you arrive, from booking and check-in details to what to bring, safety guidance and how to make the most of your time at the lakes.