Swimming at Riverside
Whether you want to swim a few lengths, build confidence in the water or enjoy a fun family activity, you'll find a session to suit you at Riverside. From public swimming and lane swimming to lessons, pool parties and family fun sessions, our pools are open to people of all ages and abilities. Whatever your reason for visiting, we're here to help you enjoy your time in the water.
Our pool complex
25-metre, 10-lane main pool with moveable floor and boom.
Learner pool with a warm, welcoming environment for young swimmers and beginners.
An interactive sensory water play area designed for children aged 8 and under.
Corkscrew flume
Changing, shower and toilet facilities
Accessible facilities including Changing Places unit, pool entry platform and pool pod.
Spectator viewing gallery, with accessible seating section
Booking your swim
You can book multiple tickets under one account, making it simple to arrange swims with family and friends. To book online, at least one member of your group will need an ourChelmsford account.
For the easiest way to book and manage your sessions, download the free Chelmsford City Sports app from the App Store or Google Play.
Ready for your next swim? Book your session today.
Swimwear and footwear
- Appropriate swimwear must be worn at all times.
- Children who are not toilet trained must wear a swim nappy.
- Outdoor shoes are not permitted in the changing rooms or on poolside.
Lockers
- Tall lockers for hanging clothes or storing prosthetics.
- Large family-sized lockers available.
- Low-level lockers for easier access.
- Refundable £1 coin-operated lockers.
- Adjustable wristbands provided.
Changing facilities
- Individual changing cubicles.
- Male and female group changing areas.
- Family changing cubicles with fold-down benches and changing tables.
- Changing Places facility with an adult-sized changing bench and portable hoist.
- Male, female and accessible toilets.
- Open shower area plus two private showers.
- Buggy park located outside the changing rooms.
Ratios for main, learner and splash pools
To keep kids safe, abide by these rules. Or else.
**Note from Debbie - images supplied have different sizes/aspect ratios, hence why they don't line up. Would need consistently sized images to make this look good**
Children under four years old
One adult can accompany one child without buoyancy aids, such as armbands; or
One adult can accompany two children where both are wearing buoyancy aids.
Children aged four to seven years old
One adult can accompany two children without buoyancy aids, such as armbands; or
One adult can accompany two children with buoyancy aids.
Age limit for splash and learner pools
For the enjoyment and safety of younger children and babies, these pools are for children up to 8 years old with an accompanying adult.
Main pool
Whether you're swimming for fitness, training, improving your technique or simply enjoying time in the water, our main pool gives you plenty of space to swim your way.
The pool is 25 metres long, 22.5 metres wide and has 10 lanes. A moveable floor across lanes one to five allows us to adjust the depth for different activities, while lanes six to ten remain at a fixed depth.
For swimming lessons and selected sessions, part of the pool can be raised to a depth of 0.9 metres. When fully lowered, the pool depth is 2 metres throughout. Digital displays around the pool clearly show the current water depth.
Most of the pool is deck level, making access easier. You can enter the water using the steps, ladders, pool pod or accessible platform. If you need any support during your visit, speak to a member of our lifeguard team who will be happy to help.
The first-floor spectator gallery seats up to 300 people and includes an accessible viewing area and accessible toilet.
Public swimming sessions are designed for everyone of all abilities to come and enjoy the pool. Whether you want to get some lengths in, or you just want to enjoy yourself in the water, these sessions are designed to suit everybody’s needs.
A dedicated space to swim at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Whether you're training for an event, building fitness or simply enjoying a regular swim, you'll be able to choose a lane that matches your speed and swim alongside others with a similar pace.
The pool is divided into marked lanes and swimmers follow the direction shown on the poolside signs.
Choosing your lane
Slow lane: Ideal for relaxed swimming and gentle exercise. If you like to take your time and enjoy a steady swim, this lane is likely to suit you best.
Medium lane: Suitable for regular swimmers looking for a consistent pace. Many fitness swimmers and breaststroke swimmers choose this lane.
Fast lane: Designed for experienced swimmers who maintain a faster pace, often swimming front crawl.
Choosing the right lane helps everyone enjoy their swim safely and comfortably. Please be aware that faster lanes may be busier and involve more splashing.
A welcoming and supportive space where you can enjoy swimming alongside other women.
Whether you're building confidence in the water, returning to swimming after a break or looking for a regular way to stay active, you can swim at a pace that works for you.
You can enjoy a relaxed swim, spend time with friends or use the designated lanes for fitness swimming.
We aim to provide female lifeguards, however operational requirements may mean a male lifeguard is on duty.
Session details
Every Monday, 6:15pm to 7:15pm (except bank holidays)
Half of the main pool
Water depth: 1.2m
Two double lanes and one single lane available
Runs during school holidays
Join us each week and enjoy swimming in a friendly environment where you can feel comfortable and supported.
Bring down the family to a fun splash session with floats and toys in the main pool (variable depth). This session also includes the flume (height restrictions apply).
All sessions are one hour and include mini-inflatables, floats and flume.
Prices
oC Lite cardholders
£7.30 for single ticket (all ages)
Spectators: £2.10
oC Plus cardholders
£6.00 for single ticket (all ages)
Spectators: free
oC Premium Family Memberships
Free single ticket
Spectators: free
Premium membership holders must still book a ticket. This will come up zero-priced.
Something a little different for the family to enjoy.
Family Inflatable Fun combines swimming, climbing, balancing and splashing in one action-packed session. Take on our giant inflatable obstacle course, enjoy smaller inflatables and floats, and make the most of the pool flume during your visit.
Before the session starts, our lifeguards will carry out a short safety briefing and swim test so everyone can take part safely. This involves swimming one 25-metre length without stopping.
What to expect
Giant inflatable obstacle course
Smaller inflatables and floats
Access to the flume
Water-based games and challenges
Qualified lifeguards throughout the session
A fun and supportive environment for children and families
Prices
oC Lite cardholders
£8.30 per person
Spectators £2.10
oC Plus cardholders
£7.00 per person
Spectators free
oC Premium Family memberships
Free
Premium membership holders must still book a ticket. This will come up zero-priced.
Whether you're racing family members or simply looking for a fun way to stay active, it's a great way to enjoy time together in the water.
Leaner pool
A warm and welcoming space to build confidence
Whether your child is taking their first steps into the water or you're helping them grow in confidence, our Learner Pool provides a safe and comfortable environment to learn, play and enjoy swimming.
The pool is maintained at a warm 30C to 32C and has a shallow depth ranging from 0.7m to 0.9m, making it ideal for babies, young children, beginners and swimming lessons.
You'll find step access into the pool, and a pool pod is available to support swimmers with reduced mobility. If you need any assistance during your visit, our team will be happy to help.
Located alongside the Learner Pool is our Sensory Splash Zone, an interactive water play area designed for children aged eight and under who are accompanied by an adult. Featuring water cannons, sprays and a mini slide, it's a fun way for younger children to explore the water, play and build confidence through active enjoyment
With warm water, shallow depths and plenty of opportunities to learn and play, the Learner Pool is a great place to help children develop a lifelong love of swimming
A safe and supportive sensory water experience.
While the learner pool is normally for children aged eight and under, there is no age limit for participants with sensory needs during the sensory swim sessions.
With low lighting, no music and gentle coloured light projections, participants can enjoy the warm and shallow water of our learner pool in a calm and relaxing environment. A variety of sensory toys are available to encourage exploration, play and confidence in the water.
Our team will be available poolside throughout the session to offer support and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.
Aqua Disco is a fun Friday evening pool session for children aged four to 13, as well as people with sensory needs who would like to attend.
With music, colourful lighting, floats and pool games, it's a great opportunity to enjoy time with friends, build confidence in the water and stay active.
What to expect
Popular music
Disco lighting effects
Bubble jets and water features
Floats, noodles and pool toys
Pool games and activities
A safe and supervised environment
Session times
Fridays, 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Prices
oC Lite cardholders: £7.30
oC Plus cardholders and members: £6.00
oC Premium Family memberships: Free
oC Premium Wellness Kids memberships: Free
Please note that flashing lights are used during this session and may not be suitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy
Make memories and build water confidence together
Musical Splash is a fun and welcoming swimming session for babies, toddlers and their accompanying adult.
Through songs, stories, games and water-based activities, your child can explore the water, build confidence and develop important early swimming skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Led by our friendly instructors, each session combines music, movement and play to help little ones feel comfortable in the pool while having fun. You'll have the chance to join in together, enjoy special time with your child and meet other local families.
Whether it's your child's first experience in the water or they're already splashing confidently, Musical Splash offers a positive introduction to swimming through play, exploration and shared experiences.
What to expect
Interactive songs, stories and nursery rhymes
Water-based games and activities
Toys and sensory play
Instructor-led activities designed for young children
A warm, welcoming environment for families
Opportunities to build water confidence through play
Time to bond and create memories together in the pool
Prices
oC Lite cardholders
Standard: £7.00
Discounted: £6.50
Under 5s: £2.20
Spectators: £2.10
oC Plus card holders
Standard: £5.70
Discounted: £5.20
Under 5s: Free
Spectators: Free
You must book a space for each person attending
Flume
Enjoy a splash of excitement
Looking to add a little extra fun to your swim? Our corkscrew flume is a favourite with children and families, combining twists, turns and a splash pool finish. Available during selected swimming sessions, it's a great way to make your visit even more enjoyable.
The enclosed flume winds its way from the flume tower to a dedicated landing pool, with clear sections along the route allowing natural light into the slide. A lifeguard supervises the attraction whenever it's in operation.
To use the flume, swimmers must be at least 1.2 metres tall. You can check your child's height using Sheldon the Turtle before joining the queue.
Please be aware that the enclosed design and changing light levels may not be suitable for everyone, including people who are sensitive to flashing or changing light conditions.
Check our timetable for the latest availability, particularly during school holidays. Current opening times are:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 6:35pm to 7:55pm
Friday: 5pm to 7pm
Saturday: 12:15pm to 1:45pm and 2:15pm to 3:15pm
Sunday: 11:30am to 12:30pm, 1pm to 2pm and 2:30pm to 5:10pm
To help everyone stay safe and enjoy their visit:
You must be at least 1.2 metres tall to use the flume.
One person is allowed on the flume at a time.
Slide feet first, either sitting up or lying on your back.
Do not stand, kneel or stop yourself while on the slide.
Leave the splash pool promptly after landing.
Take care on wet steps and poolside surfaces.
Follow instructions from our lifeguards at all times
Other useful swimming information
Our swimwear policy aims to accommodate swimmers’ specific needs. You must wear appropriate swimwear, as this helps keep you safe when swimming, and helps you follow our safeguarding policy.
We reserve the right to determine whether swimwear is appropriate or not.
If you have any special requirements regarding swimwear that you believe our policy cannot accommodate, you can contact us.
Permitted swimwear for adults
Permitted swimwear for children
What you can't wear
You must not wear:
outdoor clothing
loose or baggy clothing
denim
tracksuits or jogging bottoms
underwear
gymnastic or ballet leotards
non-swim nappies
swimwear that becomes transparent when wet
triangular or thong-style swimming bottoms
swimwear with offensive slogans or images
jewellery
baby neck rings
Other pool-based activities
Swim membership
Open to over 65s, the Forever Active Swim membership offers unlimited swimming during designated times at Riverside and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre.
Swimming lessons
Whether you are a complete beginner, or want to improve your technique, our qualified instructors provide lessons for children and adults, and all abilities.
Pool parties
Splash out at a learner pool, main pool or inflatable pool party at Riverside or South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre.
Holiday swim courses
In small groups, children are gently guided through the key skills they need to swim safely and gain water confidence.
Aqua classes
Build stamina, strength and flexibility by attending a water-based exercise class.
Swimming clubs
The centre hosts scuba diving and competitive swimming clubs, providing learning and training programmes.