As Autumn rolls into the Sound, the pontoons are getting ready to bid farewell to its beloved swimming community until next summer. The official (weather permitting) storage date is Friday 18 October. Make sure you get out there to enjoy your last swims to the pontoons of 2024!
Each year, these floating platforms provide locals and visitors with a unique way to enjoy the waters around the city’s coastline during the warmer months. But when temperatures start to drop, it’s time for the pontoons to be pulled from their moorings and taken into storage by Cattewater Harbour Commissioners for the winter.
This seasonal tradition signals the end of Plymouth’s vibrant summer water activities. It also helps protect the pontoons from harsh weather conditions, ensuring they remain in top shape for their return next spring. The sight of them being towed away may bring a twinge of sadness for those who love diving off them into the ocean, but it also marks the start of the season to appreciate the city’s other coastal offerings—walks along the shore, rock pool safaris, stormy sea views, and warming up with a hot drink after braving the chilly winds. Find out about more events here.
So while the swimming pontoons take their winter break, Plymouth’s waters will be ready and waiting for their grand reappearance once the sun returns to the horizon next year.
Join us in looking back over this summer by uploading all your fun snaps on and around the pontoons. We will repost as a big celebration on our social media!
Pontoon FAQs
Why do we remove them?
Unfortunately they can get damaged by heavy swells in Tinside Cove, but if they break their mooring chains they could also do damage to other things- such as people and boats, we don’t want them to end up going out to sea if they break free.
When will we remove them?
As soon as the autumn storms start to stack up in the Atlantic, Cattewater Harbour Commissioners (CHC) will take them out and safely store them for us.
Will you tell us that they are being removed?
Yes, keep an eye on the socials for information. Sometimes it is done quickly within a weather and shipping window, but we will make an announcement, especially you ask you to stay well clear of the CHC work boats whilst they are doing their work.
Will they be back?
Oh Yes. We are not the Pontoon Grinches! They will be back in the Spring/April time*, please note this is weather dependent*.
We used the pontoons for resting and safety, so what now?
This is one of the reasons that the pontoons are out from April to October, an area of fun, encouragement for sea swimming, support for swimming to be able to stagger their swims. With them gone it is essential that you please stay safe within the water.
- Swim with a buddy/or a spotter on shore.
- Have a fluorescent tow float and we recommend a bright hat too.
- Check the exit points BEFORE you enter, can you safely get out again.
- Do you have a means of calling for help? (a lot of tow floats have a whistle attached or a dry bag inside so you can safely put your phone/keys inside).
- Once the air temperature begins to drop have warm clothes ready on shore.
- If you wish to continue swimming- think about your fingers and toes- maybe wearing wetsuit gloves and socks/boots. A very loose rule of thumb once the sea temperature drops to cold water shock limits (<15C) is stay in the sea for 1 minute per 1C.
- Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you require assistance or if you see someone who you believe requires help.
- Our favourite water safety phase: ‘If in doubt, don’t go out’