Question 1

How Do I Book A Session?

Accepted Answer

You can book a session by going to our booking pages. A link can be found at the top of every page. You can also follow this link PTP.org.uk/BPP

Question 2

What are the swim rules for under 18s at Beckenham Place Park​?

Accepted Answer

• You must be an experienced swimmer and able to swim 25m confidently
 • Those Aged 8-11 must complete a competency test consisting of; 25m swim on front, 25m swim on back, star float front and back (held for 3-5 seconds).
 • Those Aged 12-14 must complete a competency test consisting of; 50m swim (any stroke)and star float on back (held for 3-5 seconds).
 • No persons under 8 years old are permitted to swim.
 • One adult can supervise TWO aged 8-11 in the water.
 • One adult can supervise up to FIVE Aged 12- 14 (Adult can be on the bank).
 • Those aged 15+ can book a swim on their own. but can't not supervisor an under aged swimmers.

Question 3

What Are Duck Mites?

Accepted Answer

·      Scientific Basis: The condition is caused by cercariae, the larval stage of parasitic flatworms called schistosomes.
·      Hosts: These parasites naturally infect waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, and certain aquatic mammals. They use snails as intermediate hosts.
·      Mistaken Target: Humans are not suitable hosts, but when cercariae come into contact with human skin, they burrow into it mistakenly, leading to irritation and an allergic reaction.

Question 4

Symptoms of Duck Mite Rash?

Accepted Answer

• Itchiness: Begins shortly after exposure.
 • Rash: Red, itchy bumps or blisters form, resembling mosquito bites or hives.
 • Duration: Symptoms typically resolve within a week but may persist longer if severely irritated.

Question 5

Prevention:

Accepted Answer

·      Towel Off: Dry off immediately after swimming to remove parasites from the skin.
·      Protective Barriers: Applying waterproof sunscreen can create a barrier.

Question 6

Treatment:

Accepted Answer

·      Symptomatic Relief: Over-the-counter antihistamines, corticosteroid creams, or calamine lotion can reduce itchiness.
·      Medical Help: See a doctor if the rash worsens or shows signs of infection.
·      While duck mites don't pose serious health risks, they can cause significant discomfort.

Question 7

What facilities are at the Venue?

Accepted Answer

• At Beckenham they are pretty limited at the moment. The closest toilets are at the Homestead cafe approx 3-4 minute walk away. Running water is not available at the lake at the moment.

• We are woking hard to get more in place.

• If you'd like to know more about what is at the park please visit beckenhamplacepark.co.uk(https://beckenhamplacepark.co.uk/)

Question 8

How old do I have to be to join in Paddlesports?

Accepted Answer

• simple answer is 2 years + 
 • Hire Sessions - 2 years - 8 years must be accompanied by an adult. 8 years+ can go on their own board but an adult must be with in communicable reach to ascertain their attention.

• Activity Club, Home School, Uniformed groups - 7 years +

• Mini Paddlers - 2 years to 6 years accompanied by an adult

• Family session - 7 years to 16 years accompanied by an adult.

Question 9

How can I get to you?

Accepted Answer

By Bus: The 54 bus route from Lewisham and Elmers End stops on Beckenham Hill outside the main gate or at the park entrance near Braeside (top of Beckenham Hill) . Any buses passing through Downham will get to within a quarter mile of the Old Bromley Road entrance.
Many buses stop on Bromley Road near the Green Man – this is a 10-minute walk to the Southend Lodge gate or a 10-minute walk to the Old Bromley Road entrance (for the BMX track). The routes include: 320, 208, 181, 136.
Route 354 stops at Ravensbourne Station for entry into the south or eastern sides of the park, or Foxgrove Road for entry via Beckenham Place Park gate.
Numerous buses stop at Beckenham Junction, which is a 10–15-minute walk to the park.

By Rail: Beckenham Hill station is served by regular trains (on the London Bridge line via Peckham Rye, Catford, Shortlands, Bromley South). It is less than a five-minute walk from the station to the park entrance.

Ravensbourne station (on the far side of the woodland) is also on this line if you wish to enter the park from the southern side or eastern side.

Beckenham Junction station is a 10–15-minute walk to the park (entering via Beckenham Place Park gate). This station has trams as well as trains to/from London Bridge, Victoria, Orpington, Lewisham and all the calling points in between.

By Car: You can enter the car park via Beckenham Hill Road. The car park is pay and display.
The car park has: 108 spaces and six disabled bays reserved for blue badge holders.
Parking on double yellow lines is not permitted at any time. The traffic management order is enforced by NSL.
Parking outside the Mansion is not permitted, except by prior arrangement for events associated with the Mansion.
There are parking restrictions in place on Beckenham Hill Road and surrounding areas. Please be considerate of local residents if you park in the area surrounding the park.
Pay and display
The pay and display operates everyday, 8am–5pm.
The car park costs vary depending on emissions.
The car park is free to valid blue badge holders for four hours.

By Cycle Beckenham Place park is easily accessible to most of the Borough. there are lots of cycle routes through the park with bike racks up at the mansion or outside the lake. We also welcome bikes inside of the lake area.

Lewisham Council - Getting to Beckenham Place Park(https://lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/openspaces/parks/beckenham-place-park/getting-to-beckenham-place-park)

Question 10

What should I wear when participating in water sports at Beckenham Place Park?

Accepted Answer

At PTP.org.uk, we recommend dressing in light, weather-appropriate clothing to ensure comfort and safety during your activities. For warm weather, options such as shorts, leggings, or track suit bottoms are ideal. Additionally, applying waterproof sunscreen and wearing a sun hat are advised to protect against the sun's rays. In such conditions, shoes become optional for board activities to enhance your balance and feel of the board; however, shoes are mandatory when using a canoe. For particularly wet or windy weather, it’s best to wear suitable layers to stay warm and dry. Always check the weather forecast before arriving to ensure you are properly equipped for an exhilarating day on the water.

Question 11

Does Beckenham have Blue-green Algae?

Accepted Answer

• Blue-green Algae is what it says on the tin, it is an algae that grows in bodies of open water, rivers and sea. 
 • The algae grows and forms by photosynthesising light and absorbing nitrogen from the lake environment. This is more prevalent in the summer months.

• We have had an aquaponic installed to help manage the algae levels in the lake. This works by disrupting the gel coating of the algae cells extinguishing the nitrogen causing them to become over oxygenated. This helps keep the algae levels lower in the lake during the summer months. 
 • 
 • We work on a traffic light system as part of our Daily Visual Checks of the lake; 
 • Green - Good To Go! The water appears clear (it maybe slightly green/brown), algae will look like grass in the water or has clumps that are easy to break up.
 • Amber - Proceed with Caution. The water will have a brown/green appearance with small clumps that do not break up. 
 • Red - STOP! The water will have a brown/green appearance that you cannot see through (merky) with larger clumps (coliforms ) that do not break up.

Question 12

How Does this affect me?

Accepted Answer

• Whilst Blue-Green Algae is relatively harmless in low levels, it can affect the young/elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

• It is always recommend that everyone who participates in activities at the lake, wash their hands prior to ingesting any food or drink. It is also recommended that you shower as soon as possible after your swim (we are working on showers, so keep tuned).

• If you do start to feel unwell after your swim, please report it (we do monitor this) as well as speak to your GP, please let them know that you have been in open water.
 • For more information on Blue-Green algae please see the environment agency website.(https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/cumbria-and-lancashire/blue-green-algae-in-cumbria-and-lancashire/user_uploads/blue-green-algae-leaflet.pdf)

Question 13

What is the ultrasonic algae Device?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of Pulsed Ultrasound through water at frequencies around 40 kHz interact with algal cells.  The algal cell boundary layers are supersaturated with dissolved gases O2 and CO2.  The ultrasonic pulses create nucleation points for bubble formation, and the bubbles grow and burst under the influence of ultrasound after about half a second.  We call this Localised Cellular Micro-Cavitation, similar to the process that causes pits in metal propellers but on a cellular scale.  This results in very high pressure and temperatures resulting in cell death and creation of oxidising chemicals such as singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.

Question 14

Do you provide wetsuits?

Accepted Answer

No. Unfortuently we do not have the storage facilities needed to have wetsuits to hire.
 
If you are new to outdoor swimming and wish to purchase a wetsuit, we reccomend you get a suit that is suited to swimming or triathlons as opposed to a general purpose wetsuit. This will help with the movement you need.

For smaller budgets, Decathlon and Two bare feet have a couple available. for the larger budgets wiggle have a great wetsuit selection and buying guides on picking the one that is right for you.

There are also companies such as Tri Wetsuit Hire.

Question 15

How long is the swimming course at the lake?

Accepted Answer

A full lap of Beckenham lake is approx 500m.

When we have other activities running in the lake we have to shorten the course with a rope which reduces a lap to approx 350m.

In winter the course is Approximately 350m, it may be shorter in extreme weather conditions.

Question 16

Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can cancel or rebook all site sessions through the 'My Account' section as long it is not within 24 hours of the session. If you haven't already registered for an account then sign up now.  It only takes 2 minutes. Once you have logged onto your account, click on the icon of a person at the top of the page to see your account options.
Private bookings (groups and birthdays) we need 7 days notice to change booking details including change of dates, participants and activity. 
 
You can see more details about this subject by looking at our cancellation policy.

Question 17

Does an Event Brief Count as a Cold Water induction?

Accepted Answer

NO. This is a specific event safety brief. We put on more staff to ensure you are safe and give you the points that you need to be immediately aware of to be safe. due to a larger amount of staff in, we can also keep a closer eye on each individual swimming.

To continue swimming with us when the water is below 15 degrees, you need to complete a full cold water induction. These are an hour long with a swim after, we not only time your entry and exit but have a brief with you after your swim to find out how you are feeling and answer any further questions you have.

Question 18

How Do I Book A Session?

Accepted Answer

You can book a session by going to our booking pages. A link can be found at the top of every page. You can also follow this link PTP.org.uk/BewlWater

Question 19

Where are you located at Bewl Water?

Accepted Answer

We are located down by the fishing lodge.

Question 20

What activities do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer:
 • Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
 • Kayak and Canoe hire
 • Instructor-led sessions
 • Youth activity sessions
 • Training courses (selected dates)
Availability varies seasonally.

Question 21

Do I need experience?

Accepted Answer

No previous experience is required for beginner sessions or hire within designated zones. A safety briefing is provided before launch.
For advanced sessions or training courses, specific prerequisites may apply.

Question 22

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Wear clothing appropriate to the weather that you are happy to get wet. Light, quick-dry sportswear is ideal.
We recommend:
 • Old trainers or water shoes
 • Spare clothes and towel
 • Sunscreen and hat in warm weather
 • Warm layers for after your session
Wetsuits are not always provided for standard hire.

Question 23

Do you provide buoyancy aids?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Buoyancy aids are mandatory and provided for all participants.

Question 24

What facilities are at the Venue?

Accepted Answer

• At Beckenham they are pretty limited at the moment. The closest toilets are at the Homestead cafe approx 3-4 minute walk away. Running water is not available at the lake at the moment.

• We are woking hard to get more in place.

• If you'd like to know more about what is at the park please visit beckenhamplacepark.co.uk(https://beckenhamplacepark.co.uk/)

Question 25

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Safety is our priority.
All sessions operate within defined activity areas with qualified staff and structured safety procedures in place. Conditions are monitored continuously, and sessions may be adapted or paused if required.

Question 26

How can I get to you?

Accepted Answer

By Bus: The 54 bus route from Lewisham and Elmers End stops on Beckenham Hill outside the main gate or at the park entrance near Braeside (top of Beckenham Hill) . Any buses passing through Downham will get to within a quarter mile of the Old Bromley Road entrance.
Many buses stop on Bromley Road near the Green Man – this is a 10-minute walk to the Southend Lodge gate or a 10-minute walk to the Old Bromley Road entrance (for the BMX track). The routes include: 320, 208, 181, 136.
Route 354 stops at Ravensbourne Station for entry into the south or eastern sides of the park, or Foxgrove Road for entry via Beckenham Place Park gate.
Numerous buses stop at Beckenham Junction, which is a 10–15-minute walk to the park.

By Rail: Beckenham Hill station is served by regular trains (on the London Bridge line via Peckham Rye, Catford, Shortlands, Bromley South). It is less than a five-minute walk from the station to the park entrance.

Ravensbourne station (on the far side of the woodland) is also on this line if you wish to enter the park from the southern side or eastern side.

Beckenham Junction station is a 10–15-minute walk to the park (entering via Beckenham Place Park gate). This station has trams as well as trains to/from London Bridge, Victoria, Orpington, Lewisham and all the calling points in between.

By Car: You can enter the car park via Beckenham Hill Road. The car park is pay and display.
The car park has: 108 spaces and six disabled bays reserved for blue badge holders.
Parking on double yellow lines is not permitted at any time. The traffic management order is enforced by NSL.
Parking outside the Mansion is not permitted, except by prior arrangement for events associated with the Mansion.
There are parking restrictions in place on Beckenham Hill Road and surrounding areas. Please be considerate of local residents if you park in the area surrounding the park.
Pay and display
The pay and display operates everyday, 8am–5pm.
The car park costs vary depending on emissions.
The car park is free to valid blue badge holders for four hours.

By Cycle Beckenham Place park is easily accessible to most of the Borough. there are lots of cycle routes through the park with bike racks up at the mansion or outside the lake. We also welcome bikes inside of the lake area.

Lewisham Council - Getting to Beckenham Place Park(https://lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/openspaces/parks/beckenham-place-park/getting-to-beckenham-place-park)

Question 27

What happens in bad weather?

Accepted Answer

Activities may be adjusted depending on wind strength and conditions. In the case of unsafe weather, sessions may be rescheduled in line with our booking policy.

Question 28

Do you offer training courses at Bewl Water?

Accepted Answer

Selected instructor and safety courses run at Bewl Water throughout the season. Course dates are listed under the Training & Courses section of the websit

Question 29

Is parking available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bewl Water has onsite parking. Standard site parking charges may apply — please check Bewl Water’s official website for current rates.

Question 30

What is the ultrasonic algae Device?

Accepted Answer

Transmission of Pulsed Ultrasound through water at frequencies around 40 kHz interact with algal cells.  The algal cell boundary layers are supersaturated with dissolved gases O2 and CO2.  The ultrasonic pulses create nucleation points for bubble formation, and the bubbles grow and burst under the influence of ultrasound after about half a second.  We call this Localised Cellular Micro-Cavitation, similar to the process that causes pits in metal propellers but on a cellular scale.  This results in very high pressure and temperatures resulting in cell death and creation of oxidising chemicals such as singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.

Question 31

Do you provide wetsuits?

Accepted Answer

No. Unfortuently we do not have the storage facilities needed to have wetsuits to hire.

Question 32

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

All sessions must be booked online in advance via ptp.org.uk.
We recommend early booking during peak season.

Question 33

Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can cancel or rebook all site sessions through the 'My Account' section as long it is not within 24 hours of the session. If you haven't already registered for an account then sign up now.  It only takes 2 minutes. Once you have logged onto your account, click on the icon of a person at the top of the page to see your account options.
Private bookings (groups and birthdays) we need 7 days notice to change booking details including change of dates, participants and activity. 
 
You can see more details about this subject by looking at our cancellation policy.

Question 34

Does an Event Brief Count as a Cold Water induction?

Accepted Answer

NO. This is a specific event safety brief. We put on more staff to ensure you are safe and give you the points that you need to be immediately aware of to be safe. due to a larger amount of staff in, we can also keep a closer eye on each individual swimming.

To continue swimming with us when the water is below 15 degrees, you need to complete a full cold water induction. These are an hour long with a swim after, we not only time your entry and exit but have a brief with you after your swim to find out how you are feeling and answer any further questions you have.

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