DIP your feet into the world of open water swimming with an Olympic professional. 

Swimmers can learn how to swim on the wild side with bronze medalist Cassie Patten. 

The open water event at Bowmoor Lake near Lechlade has 1k, 2k and 3k swimming events, plus a 250m taster session for beginners. 

Lechlade and District Lions is hosting the fourth annual charity swim this Saturday with all proceeds benefiting local charities.

Last year’s event raised over £2,500 and attracted nearly 100 swimmers from as far away as Wales and County Durham.

Cassie is a British freestyle swimmer and coach who won the bronze in the 10 km open-water event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. 

She will run free tips and techniques workshops on the day for the swimmers.

"I have a lifetime’s experience of swimming in the pool and in open water and I love passing on what I have learnt to others", she said. 

"As I now live in the Cotswolds, I am delighted to donate my time to this event and all the good causes that the Lions support locally.

"I regularly walk my dogs and children around the beautiful Bowmoor Sailing Lake. 

"I want to encourage as many people as I can to take up open water swimming and just enjoy the great outdoors." 

Lechlade and District Lions President, Mike Read, said: "This sponsored swim is our biggest fundraiser of the year. We welcome swimmers from all over region, and it's a great day out. You can even register on the day! 

A huge thank you to Bowmoor Sailing Club, and to Cassie Patten, for their fantastic support."

The open water swim will take place at Bowmoor Lake near Lechlade where the lake is spring-fed and is over 20+ degrees.

Swimmers aged 14 to 18 year olds can register with parental consent.

The event will open at 8am and close by 1pm on Saturday 6 August.

Tickets cost from £10 to £25 per swimmer. 

You can book tickets on the Lions website: www.lechladelions.org.uk