White Water Channel
North Bay, Manvers Lake
Proposed White Water Course at Manvers Lake
The Manvers Lake and Dearne Valley Trust is advancing plans to develop an international-standard white water course (WWC) at Manvers Lake, South Yorkshire - creating a landmark destination for sport, training and community activity.
This dual-purpose facility will combine a recreational and competitive water sports hub with a state-of-the-art swift water rescue training centre for emergency services. The project responds to two converging trends: rising public demand for high-quality water sports venues and the growing need for safe, controlled environments to train emergency services in flood and swift-water rescue, given the UK’s increasing flood risk
Manvers Lake already benefits from strong foundations. Operated by a charity trust and home to the Manvers Waterfront Boat Club (MWBC), the site offers extensive flat-water facilities, changing rooms, training spaces, and experienced back-office management. Its waters meet bathing quality standards and host regular open-water swimming. Building on this infrastructure, the WWC project represents a unique partnership between the water sports community and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (SYFR). Unlike comparator sites, which prioritise sport with training as a secondary use, Manvers will integrate both from inception, ensuring year-round, fit-for-purpose provision.
Project Progress
The project has now reached a major milestone, with full planning permission formally submitted to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.
This follows the successful completion of a comprehensive programme of pre-planning surveys and technical work. The submission marks a significant step forward in bringing the White Water Course closer to delivery.
The Trust continues to work closely with partners, stakeholders and funding bodies to secure the £14 million capital investment required to deliver the scheme. Fundraising efforts are ongoing to ensure the project is ready to progress at pace once planning approval is granted.
The project benefits from strong and growing support. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue is an active partner, recognising the significant opportunities the facility will provide for enhanced training and collaboration. The scheme has also received positive engagement from local leadership, reflecting its potential to deliver lasting sporting, economic and community benefits for Rotherham and the wider South Yorkshire region.
A dedicated Task and Finish Group, chaired by former Sports Minister Richard Caborn, continues to meet regularly to drive progress, identify funding opportunities and maintain momentum through this critical phase.
A Facility with Lasting Impact
The proposed White Water Course will:
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Provide an international-standard venue for canoeing, kayaking and paddle sports
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Create a specialist training environment for emergency services and flood response teams
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Attract visitors, events and investment to the region
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Support health, wellbeing and outdoor participation
With planning now submitted and strong partnerships in place, the project is moving steadily closer to becoming a reality -delivering long-term benefits for communities across South Yorkshire and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
Water Rescue Training
The images below show whitewater safety training at a site to in New York, USA, which is similar to the one proposed.
Chris Kirby, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue
“This project is not just for South Yorkshire – it will provide a national training resource for fire and rescue services across the country. The skills developed here will help save lives, support emergency responders, and set new standards in rescue training.”
Mark Benton, Chair of the Manvers Lake Club
“We already have one of our members training for the Paris Olympic’s White Water Canoe Slalom who is travelling long distances to be coached. The South Yorkshire Fire and rescue have their training facility at the Dearne Station just over the road. It is crazy that they are travelling to Glasgow when they could have facilities close by”.
Chris Wordsworth, Technical and Commercial Manager at Manvers Lake
“Over the years Manvers Lake has become a centre for water rescue training. The Royal Life Saving Society and the Environment Agency use us now. This White Water Course proposal would extend this to moving water, it will increase the viability and sustainability of the lake and provide several new local jobs”.
The Manvers Lake and Dearne Valley Trust Ltd is a registered charity: No:1150159.
For further information:
Tracy Hyland
Email: Tracy.Hyland@mwbc.org.uk.
Office: 01709 878984