The Lake
Our very own purpose built inland diving lake
Andark Lake is a purpose built Inland Diving Lake, located in Lower Swanwick, near Southampton, Hampshire on the South Coast of England. Andark’s Diving Lake is specially designed as a training facility for Scuba Diving, whether you are a qualified PADI, BSAC, SSI or SAA or any other recognised diving agency.
The Lake is designed for openwater scuba diver training, perfect for components of many diving courses including PADI Openwater, PADI Advanced, PADI Rescue, PADI Dive Master, BSAC Ocean Diver, BSAC Sport Diver, BSAC Dive Leader, SSI Openwater Diver & SAA Diving courses. Advanced level diver training such as Re-breather & Instructor courses and HSE Commercial Scuba Diver training can be accommodated in the Andark Lake for sections of these training courses.
The lake offers confined openwater conditions with great onsite facilities- changing rooms with showers, free WiFi, a Café and Shop.
Other uses of the lake include openwater swimming, triathlon training, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and model boating. The lake also offers venue hire of its classroom/conference room, and is available for trials and equipment testing.
Lake Information
The lake has been designed with training in mind, ease of access with handrails and beach type entry. With stepped training platforms at 1.5 metres and 3.4 metres. The depth of the lake is a maximum of 7metres to flat concrete area in the middle, this can fluctuate.
The average temperature ranges from 25°C in summer to 6°C in winter. Water temperature will vary depending on weather conditions.
Water temperature on 18/07/18 was 24°C
Like many UK inland and sea diving sites visibility can alter from good to low. Many factors affect visibility including water temperature, algea bloom (in summer), and precipitation.
What’s in the lake to see?
- Sunken Jet Ski for you to sit on
- Barge Timbers – The Bow section of an old Barge
- Underwater mirrors on the east end of lake to see what you look like!
- Shop/Cafe/Reception – serving tea/coffee/cold drinks & snacks
- Shop selling basic diving essentials
- Disabled Toilets
- Male & Female changing rooms with hotshowers & lockers
- Public WiFi
- Conference/Classroom for 24/30 people
- Air is available at 232 Bar at Lake – cost £4.00
- Purpose built training lake with beach type entry
- Max depth 7 metres with 2 platforms at approx 1.2 metres and 3.5 metres
- Tie down points on bottom of Lake
- Mirrored wall check out your kit
- Bow section ribs of 17th century barge
- Sunken jet-ski
- Pontoon access
| Time of Day | Member | Non – Member | Timings |
| All Day Session | £12.00 | £15.00 | 09.00 – 16.30 |
| Morning Session | £12.00 | £15.00 | 09.00 – 13.00 |
| Afternoon Session | £10.00 | £13.00 | 12.45 – 16.45 |
| Lunchtime Session | £8.00 weekdays only | £10.00 weekdays only | 12.00 – 14.00 |
| Evening Session | £8.00 | £10.00 | 18.00 – 20.30 |
| Andark Students | £10.00 |
Open Water Swimming Sessions: £6.00 per person
| Membership & Groups | Prices |
| Individual Membership | £20.00 per year |
| Schools/Groups/Clubs | 1 Instructor free per 4 paying non-members |
Lake opening times
| Day | Information |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed (Except full lake bookings) |
| Tuesday | 09.00am - 12noon |
| Wednesday | 09.00am - 17.00pm Evenings 18.00pm - 20.30pm (May – September) Scheduled dates only see http://andarklake.co.uk/events/ |
| Thursday | 09.00am - 17.00pm |
| Friday | 09.00am - 17.00pm |
| Saturday | 08.00am - 17.00pm |
| Sunday | 08.00am - 17.00pm |
Michael Ambrose
Lake Manager
Michael was on of our Scholars Andark Dive Master Scholarship he has now joined the Andark Team full time to run our Diver Training Lake!
Jenny Dewhirst
Caƒe Assistant
Jenny is the wife of one of Andark’s Dive Masters Paul. She is a retired nurse and is the social secretary of a local club, with catering experience from the social events.