Lake Geneva Swimming Association

Open Water Swim Camp - Week #2

Monday 6th - Friday 10th July 2026

Evian-les-Bains, France

Join us and discover Lake Geneva

Ready to deepen your open water skills in a stunning setting?

Experience the crystalline waters of Lake Geneva, framed by alpine peaks and paired with world-class coaching and excellent training facilities. Based in the charming town of Évian-les-Bains, this camp blends skill-building long-course pool sessions with supported lake swims—plus time to enjoy one of France’s most picturesque destinations. It’s a unique mix of scenic beauty, personal growth, and great company.

This camp is open to swimmers of any pace who have some open water experience.

Whether you've trained casually in open water or completed long-distance swims, the week is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow. With a welcoming environment and expert guidance, you’ll refine your technique, increase your comfort in open water, and develop the skills to take on longer swims safely and confidently.

Requirement for this Camp

To attend this camp one must submit documentation of a continuous open water swim of at least 3 km (or 2 miles). The swim must have taken place on or after the 1st June 2024. To verify your swim, please provide one of the following:

1. Race Result: A screenshot of official online race results showing your name, distance, and completion time.

2. Observer Verification: A signed note from an observer, including:

   1. The swimmer’s name

   2. The observer's full name and contact information

   3. Confirmation of the swim distance (at least 3 km / 2 miles)

   4. Date and location of the swim

   5. Observer's signature and date signed

3. Continuous Pool: proof of a one hour continuous pool swim, with distance, signed by the lifeguard or an observer.

Basic Weekly Schedule

Below is a general schedule for the week. The time in the water and distances are approximate and may vary depending on weather, swimmer pace, and group preferences. While adjustments may be made, this outline gives you a clear idea of what to expect each day.

Monday

• Evening: Welcome dinner in Evian-les-Bains (included in the camp fee). Significant others are welcome with advance notice and for an additional cost.

Tuesday

• Morning: Swim at the Centre Nautique in Evian-les-Bain focusing on balance, body line and posture in the water for both pool and open water swimming. Approximately 3km. Each swimmer will be filmed and sent an annotated video complete with narration and feedback.

  • Lunch (provided)

• Afternoon: Open water swim continuing work from the morning’s swim with real-life aspects of open water such as waves, sun, and other swimmers. Approximately 3km.

Wednesday

• Morning: Pool Swim working on maintaining balance while sighting and while dealing with challenging open water conditions. Approximately 3km.

  • Lunch (provided)

• Afternoon: Open water swim. Approximately 3-4km.

Thursday

• Morning: Pool Swim focusing on endurance training, the mental and psychological aspect of long swims, and discussion of how attitude can affect physical strength. By this time, each swimmer will have their own “projects” that they are working on in the water. Approximately 3km.

  • Lunch (provided) and Q&A session. You will have an opportunity to ask coach Jen questions about nutrition, hydration, mental preparation, etc. for long swims.

• Afternoon: Open water swim. Approximately 3-4km

• Evening: Dinner provided at coach Jen’s apartment.

Friday

• Morning: 5km or 10km open water swim. A 5km course will be set up in the lake and swimmers can swim one or two loops (5km or 10km) depending on their goal and experience. Whether you’re aiming for 5km or 10km, this is a great opportunity to challenge yourself in a supported, structured setting. The swim will be supported by kayakers and swimmers will have the chance to practice feeding during the swim. This session is designed to help you build endurance, test your pacing, and gain confidence.

• The swim will be followed by a farewell lunch. End of camp.

Please Note

• All distances are an estimate. Based on the weather, swimmer speed, and swimmer interest we will adapt the distances. These distances are to give an idea of what swimmers’ preparation should entail.

• The average water temperature in Lake Geneva at this time of year is approximately 70°F (21°C). The Centre Nautique pool is kept at approximately 81°F (27°C). The decision to wear a wetsuit (or neoprene) is up to each individual.

• A swim buoy/tow-float is required for all open water swims during the camp, so please remember to bring one with you.

• Camps are limited to 10 swimmers and fill quickly.

What is included

• Kayak escorted open water swims

• Coached pool sessions focusing on technique

• Video analysis of your swim stroke

• Supervision and safety cover for all sessions

• Lunches

• Two dinners - welcome dinner and dinner at Coach Dutton’s place

What is not included

• Flights

• Transportation to/from Evian-les-Bains

• Accommodation

• Dinner on Thursday and Friday

The Location

Explore the picturesque surroundings of Lake Geneva. Take the time to discover beautiful medieval villages, taste award-winning wines from the Lavaux region and recuperate in the world-famous spa of Evian.

Coach Jen

Prior to relocating to the Florida Keys (USA) in 2022, Jennifer Dutton spent over two decades coaching teens and Masters swimmers in the Boston area. A multiple-time Boston Globe High School Coach of the Year, she has worked with numerous Triple Crown and channel swimmers, as well as nationally ranked open water swimmers and triathletes. Jennifer is also an accomplished open water swimmer, having recently become the first American to complete the 66 km (40 mile) length of Lake Constance. Her other impressive achievements include wetsuit-free (English Channel Rules) lengthwise crossings of Lake Lugano (34 km), Lake Memphremagog (25 miles), Lake Tahoe (22 miles), and Lake George (32 miles, as the 9th person to complete it). She has also completed unique point-to-point swims of Sacandaga Lake (32 miles) and Keuka Lake (34 miles), as well as the 70 km length of Lake Geneva in Switzerland in 2021 (becoming the 8th to achieve this feat).

Jennifer is passionate about the healing power of swimming and is dedicated to understanding and teaching the combination of technique, physics, and mental toughness required for long-distance swims.

She holds certifications from the American Red Cross, WOWSA, and ASCA. Since 2022, Jennifer has been leading swim camps in Evian-les-Bains, France. Since moving to Florida, she has expanded her coaching to include swim camps in her home pool in Florida, as well as in Vermont and Boston, USA, and other scenic locations. She offers both in-person and online coaching.

Jennifer and her husband Andy enjoy meeting swimmers, kayaking for them, and hearing their stories. They are excited to welcome participants and share the beauty of Evian!

There is nobody better than Coach Jen to get someone ready for an open water swim—whether it’s a beginner looking to swim one mile or a marathon swimmer looking to push themselves farther.

Bob - Triple Crown Swimmer, USA

FAQ

1. How much swimming will there be?

   We will have several pool sessions which will be geared towards technique and/or endurance building and several lake swims - many days we have one of each type of swimming. Swimmers may cover 5-8km (3-5 miles) a day with two swims. If you are looking for less yardage, that can also be arranged!

2. Are all the swim sessions mandatory?

   Nothing is mandatory! This is for you to get what you want out of the week. 

3. Can I wear a wetsuit?

   As long as you have some swim experience and a positive attitude, a wetsuit is allowed! Water temperatures should be close to 70°F (21°C) in July.

4. When should I arrive?

   We will meet on Monday evening for the welcome dinner before starting swimming the following day.

5. Do I need to bring my own equipment?
   Yes we definitely recommend you bring at least your swimsuit, goggles and a tow-float! In fact, multiple pairs of goggles, including clear and tinted ones for bright sunshine. The coaching sessions do not require paddles, fins or kick-boards. You may bring a snorkel if you wish.

6. Can I bring family members or friends?

   Friends and family are welcome to accompany you and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. However, please note that our meals and swim sessions are exclusively for camp participants to ensure the best experience for everyone. We encourage your guests to explore the area or relax while you’re attending the camp activities.

7. What’s included in the price?

   Coaching and safety support are included for all swims. Some meals are included, and we also allow guests the freedom to explore the local gastronomic scene - there are plenty of options to choose from!

8. Can I pay by bank/wire transfer?

   Yes you can.

9. Do I need insurance?
   Yes, you should definitely have travel insurance. Like any holiday it is important to cover things including (but not limited to) illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. You should also make sure you are covered for open water swimming and any other activity you might want to do.

10. How old do I have to be?

    All participants must be 18 years or over at the beginning of the trip.

11. Is it only swimming? Are there other activities?

    As well as swimming the Lake Geneva region has plenty to offer, from roman ruins, medieval castles to award-winning cheeses, wines and chocolates. There are also world class hiking spots nearby and many alternative water activities. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the local culture and soak up the alpine atmosphere.

12. Might the camp be cancelled?

    Sometimes it may occur that we need to cancel a camp due to a lack of bookings, however this highly unlikely (who wouldn’t want to enjoy a week of swimming and sunshine by the lake!?). Nevertheless if we do need to cancel a camp, we will advise all guests as soon as is feasibly possible.

13. How do I book?

    You can book your places via the ‘Book Now’ button at the top of this page. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.

14. What kind of safety support is present during the open water swims?

    Kayakers will accompany all open water sessions to support and guide the swimmers.