Open Water Swimming in Zurich – Training in Lake Zurich

Regular open-water training in Zurich for experienced freestyle swimmers and triathletes.

From May through September, we train together in Lake Zurich. The focus is on the crawl stroke, endurance, navigation, safety, and efficient open-water swimming.

In addition to the regular Tuesday practices, there are four long-swim specials of approximately 2.5–3 km during the season.

Base pace: approx. 2:15–2:30 min. per 100 m

Requirements for Open Water Training

To ensure that we, as a group, can travel safely on Lake Zurich—and together as much as possible—the following requirements apply:

– You can swim at least 1,000 meters in a row using the crawl stroke.
– You regularly train by swimming longer distances.
– You can maintain a basic pace of approximately 2:15–2:30 min. / 100 m maintain this pace over a longer distance.
– You are physically healthy and in good shape.
– You must have your own open-water swimming buoy, which you must bring to every training session.

Please test your swimming pace before the season begins. For safety and organizational reasons, swimmers who are significantly slower unfortunately cannot be included in the training group.

Regular Practice: Tuesday
; Practice Time: 6:00–6:45 p.m.
; Meet at 5:55 p.m.

Depending on the weather, water conditions, and the training program, we swim at various locations in Lake Zurich—including Utoquai, Tiefenbrunnen, Enge, and Mythenquai.

The exact meeting place and the latest information about the training session will be announced via the WhatsApp group chat.

We take advantage of the various opportunities Lake Zurich has to offer and combine endurance training with specific open-water techniques.

Depending on the training session, the focus varies:

– Orientation and Sighting
– Freestyle Technique in Open Water
– Breathing Technique
– Safety in Lake Zurich
– Pacing and Changing Pace
– Drafting and Swimming in a Group
– Endurance Training
– Training with a Pull Buoy and Short Fins

We make sure that swimmers with similar paces swim together as much as possible.

4 times during the season | Thursday | 60 minutes

During the open water season, four additional long swim events will take place in Lake Zurich.

During these sessions, we swim longer, continuous stretches of about 2.5–3 km and practice technique, navigation, and pacing under real open-water conditions.

The focus is on:

– Endurance
– Consistent Pacing
– Navigation
– Efficient Swimming Over Longer Distances
– Swimming in a Group

Depending on your skill level and the conditions, you can swim different routes.

The Long Swim Specials are available to all subscription holders and each counts as one training session.

The event is subject to weather, water and air temperatures, as well as current conditions on Lake Zurich.

Information about the event and the meeting place will be shared via the WhatsApp group chat.

Training takes place at:

  • Water temperature above 21 °C: Swimming is possible with or without a wetsuit
  • Water temperature above 16 °C: Swimming in a wetsuit
  • suitable weather and sea conditions
  • light rain or cloudy skies

No practice on:

  • Water temperature below 16 °C
  • Thunderstorms or thunderstorm-like conditions
  • Storm warning
  • heavy rain or unsuitable weather or sea conditions

Important for the start of the season:
Lake Zurich can still be very cold in May. That’s why we swim exclusively in wetsuits at the start of the season.

Training sessions canceled due to weather will not be rescheduled or refunded.

Your safety is our top priority during our open-water training sessions.

  • You must have your own swim buoy for every training session.
  • We wear brightly colored swim caps.
  • Our training routes usually run close to the shore.
  • The course instructors have completed the appropriate first-aid training (SLRG & BLS-AED).
  • The course instructor carries a cell phone.
  • The group is organized according to swimming speed.

Participation is at your own risk. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are physically able to participate in the training sessions and for obtaining appropriate insurance coverage against accidents and injuries. swim4u.ch’s liability is governed by the applicable Terms and Conditions.

Red Factory Challenge

A group open-water swim over a longer distance as a special seasonal experience.

  • Distance: approx. 7.5 km
  • 4 short breaks along the way
  • Sandwich Break at the Red Factory
  • Support Boat (Motorboat & Canoe)
  • Max. 12 participants
  • Registration via the Rote Fabrik Swim Challenge

Frequently Asked Questions About Open Water Swimming in Zurich

Where can I practice open-water swimming in Zurich?

Our Open Water training sessions in Zurich take place in Lake Zurich. Depending on the weather, water conditions, and training content, we start at locations such as Utoquai, Tiefenbrunnen, Enge, or Mythenquai. The exact meeting point will be announced via the WhatsApp group chat before the training session.

Are there regular open-water group training sessions in Zurich?

Yes. During the open-water season, swim4u offers regular group training sessions in Lake Zurich. The regular training sessions take place every Tuesday evening. In addition, there are four “Long Swim Specials” during the season , covering approximately 2.5–3 km.

Who is the Open Water Training course suitable for?

This training is designed for experienced front-crawl swimmers, triathletes, and open-water swimmers who want to swim more confidently, with better technique, and more efficiently in open water. A prerequisite is the ability to swim longer distances confidently using the front crawl.

How fast do I need to swim for the open water training?

For our open water training group, you should be able to maintain a base pace of approximately 2:15–2:30 minutes per 100 meters over longer distances. This will allow us to train together safely and effectively as a group.

Do I have to wear a wetsuit for the open-water swim?

That depends on the water temperature. Especially at the start of the season in May, Lake Zurich is still cold. During this time, we swim exclusively in wetsuits. Later on, when the water gets warmer, we can swim without wetsuits.

Do I need a swim buoy for open-water training?

Yes. A highly visible open-water swimming buoy is required for every training session, and you must bring your own. It increases visibility in Lake Zurich and is an important part of our safety plan.

What do you work on when swimming in open water?

In addition to endurance, we practice typical open-water techniques such as orientation and sighting, pacing, breathing, efficient freestyle technique, drafting, and swimming in a group. Proper behavior and safety in open water are also part of the training.
If you’d like to further improve your endurance and front crawl technique in an indoor pool, check out Swim Your Way to Fitness for the right year-round training program.

Can I use the Open Water Training program to train for a triathlon?

Yes. This training program is ideal for triathletes who want to improve their swimming technique and safety in open water. Navigation, drafting, pacing, and longer continuous swim sessions are key components of the training.

Are there any longer open-water training sessions in Zurich?

Yes. In addition to the regular training sessions, swim4u offers four “Long Swim Specials” in Lake Zurich. These last 60 minutes and cover approximately 2.5–3 km, depending on your skill level and conditions.

When is the open water season in Zurich?

The 2027 swim4u Open Water season runs from mid-May through mid-September. There are a total of 20 training sessions—16 regular Tuesday sessions and four Long Swim Specials on Thursdays.

Can I learn to swim in open water in Zurich, even as a beginner?

Our Open Water training group requires participants to already be able to swim the crawl confidently and have the necessary basic endurance. If you aren’t yet comfortable swimming the crawl or would like to work on your technique first, you can build the necessary foundation at swim4u with a crawl course or private lessons in Zurich.

How can I sign up for the Open Water training in Zurich?

You can sign up directly at swim4u.ch. There are various subscription options available. If you have any questions about which subscription is right for you or whether your swimming level is suitable for the group, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp.

We look forward to hearing from you via swim4u-Whatsapp

2027 Season Calendar

20 training sessions from May through September: 16 regular open-water training sessions on Tuesdays and 4 long-swim specials on Thursdays.

MAY
Tue, May 18 · Open Water Training
Tue, May 25 · Open Water Training
Thu, May 27 · LONG SWIM SPECIAL · 60 min.

JUNE
Tue, June 1 · Open Water Training
Tue, June 8 · Open Water Training
Tue, June 15 · Open Water Training
Thu, June 17 · LONG SWIM SPECIAL · 60 min.
Tue, June 22 · Open Water Training
Tue, June 29 · Open Water Training

JULY
Tue, Jul 6 · Open Water Training
Tue, Jul 13 · Open Water Training
☀️ Summer Break: July 19–Aug. 1

AUGUST
Tue, Aug. 3 · Open Water Training
Tue, Aug. 10 · Open Water Training
Thu, Aug. 12 · LONG SWIM SPECIAL · 60 min.
Tue, Aug. 17 · Open Water Training
Tue, Aug. 24 · Open Water Training
Tue, Aug. 31 · Open Water Training

SEPTEMBER
Thu, Sept. 2 · LONG SWIM SPECIAL · 60 min.
Tue, Sept. 7 · Open Water Training
Tue, Sept. 14 · End-of-Season Event

Regular Training Sessions: Tuesday, 6:00–6:45 p.m.
Long Swim Specials: Thursday, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Season subscription | 20 training sessions of 45 minutes each

CHF38000(1 Training = 19.- CHF)
  • Including Red Factory Challenge, swimming buoy and swimming cap
  • Validity: 2026 season | season ticket non-transferable

14 training sessions of 45 minutes each

CHF32200(1 Training = 23.- CHF)
  • Including Red Factory Challenge and swimming buoy
  • Validity: 2026 season | season ticket non-transferable

10 training sessions of 45 minutes each

CHF25000(1 training = 25.- CHF)
  • –
  • Validity: 2026 season | season ticket non-transferable

6 training sessions of 45 minutes each

CHF16200(1 training = 27.- CHF)
  • –
  • Validity: 2026 season | season ticket non-transferable

Individual training

CHF3000(local figures)
  • –
  • (without registration)

  • Open Water | 20 trainings


    1st course day: -

    Course location:
    Seebad Utoquai
    Utoquai 50
    8008 Zürich

    Status: frei

    free places: -

    Course dates:
    12.5 / 19.5 / 26.5 / 2.6 / 19.6 / 16.6 / 23.6 / 30.6 / 7.7 / 14.7 / 21.7 / 28.7 / 4.8 / 11.8 / 18.8 / 25.8 / 1.9 / 8.9 / 15.9 / 22.9 /

    Day / Time:
    Dienstags / 18.00 – 18.45 Uhr / Treffpunkt: wird via WHATSAPP Chat bekannt gegeben

    Course fees:
    380.- CHF (inkl. MWST)

    Validity: Saison 2026 / Abo nicht übertragbar

  • Open Water / 14 trainings


    1st course day: -

    Course location:
    Seebad Utoquai
    Utoquai 50
    8008 Zürich

    Status: frei

    free places: -

    Course dates:
    12.5 / 19.5 / 26.5 / 2.6 / 19.6 / 16.6 / 23.6 / 30.6 / 7.7 / 14.7 / 21.7 / 28.7 / 4.8 / 11.8 / 18.8 / 25.8 / 1.9 / 8.9 / 15.9 / 22.9 /

    Day / Time:
    Dienstags / 18.00 - 18.45 Uhr / Treffpunkt: wird via WHATSAPP Chat bekanntgegeben

    Course fees:
    322.- CHF (inkl. MWST)

    Validity: Saison 2026 / Abo nicht übertragbar

  • Open Water / 10 trainings


    1st course day: -

    Course location:
    Seebad Utoquai
    Utoquai 50
    8008 Zürich

    Status: frei

    free places: -

    Course dates:
    12.5 / 19.5 / 26.5 / 2.6 / 19.6 / 16.6 / 23.6 / 30.6 / 7.7 / 14.7 / 21.7 / 28.7 / 4.8 / 11.8 / 18.8 / 25.8 / 1.9 / 8.9 / 15.9 / 22.9 /

    Day / Time:
    Dienstags / 18.00 - 18.45 Uhr / Treffpunkt: wird via WHATSAPP Chat bekanntgegeben

    Course fees:
    250.- CHF (inkl. MWST)

    Validity: Saison 2026

  • Open Water / 6 trainings


    1st course day: -

    Course location:
    Seebad Utoquai
    Utoquai 50
    8008 Zürich

    Status: frei

    free places: -

    Course dates:
    12.5 / 19.5 / 26.5 / 2.6 / 19.6 / 16.6 / 23.6 / 30.6 / 7.7 / 14.7 / 21.7 / 28.7 / 4.8 / 11.8 / 18.8 / 25.8 / 1.9 / 8.9 / 15.9 / 22.9 /

    Day / Time:
    Dienstags / 18.00 - 18.45 Uhr / Treffpunkt: wird via WHATSAPP Chat bekanntgegeben

    Course fees:
    162.- CHF (inkl. MWST)

    Validity: Saison 2026