The 5K Great North Swim is a demanding event for swimmers aged 16 and over, covering a distance of 5,000m—equivalent to 200 lengths of a standard 25m pool. The average completion time is around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, with a cut-off time of 1 hour to reach the halfway point and a final 2-hour completion deadline. Full support is provided with lifeguards, kayakers, and safety boats, ensuring a safe experience in the beautiful Lake Windermere. This race is ideal for experienced swimmers looking for a serious challenge in a stunning open water setting.
The Arla Great North Swim returns from Friday, 13 June, to Sunday, 15 June 2025. With six open water swimming distances to choose from, there's an option for every age, ability, and experience level. Whether you're aiming to get fit, beat your personal best, enjoy the beauty of nature, or fundraise for charity, you'll be part of an unforgettable shared experience. Take the plunge in Windermere and join the UK’s largest open water swimming event.
This weekend-long celebration is more than just a swim—it's an open water adventure. Expect breathtaking scenery, delicious local food and drink, outdoor activities, culture, art, and history, all alongside thousands of fellow swimming enthusiasts. With plenty to engage both swimmers and spectators, it’s a festival of open water swimming you won’t want to miss!
Wetsuit Policy
At all Great Swim events, wetsuits are optional when the water temperature is 15°C or above. If you choose not to wear a wetsuit, you must use an approved high-visibility tow float. Wetsuit swimmers also have the option to use a tow float if they wish.
This policy applies only to swimmers aged 16 and over. Swimmers under 16 are required to wear a wetsuit for safety.
Water Safety
Participants can feel confident knowing they are in safe hands throughout their swim. A team of fully trained water safety kayakers, lifeguards, and support boats closely monitor swimmers along the course, ensuring help is always nearby.
If a swimmer finds themselves struggling or needing a break, they can simply lie on their back or tread water and raise a hand. A member of the safety team will promptly come over to check on them. With plenty of safety craft on the water, assistance will arrive as quickly as possible.
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The Dock2Dock swim offers a unique opportunity to experience open water swimming in the heart of London’s Royal Docks. With towering historical cranes lining the water and the iconic skyline of Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena in the background, this event combines the thrill of urban swimming with the challenge of long-distance racing.
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The 2 Mile Henley Swim is a challenging open water event set in the River Thames at Temple Island Meadows during the Henley Swim Festival. Swimmers can compete in either the Suits category, wearing wetsuits for added buoyancy and warmth, or the Skins category, following traditional open water swimming rules without a wetsuit. This scenic and rewarding swim is ideal for experienced swimmers looking to test their endurance in the iconic Henley course.
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The Bantham Swoosh is a renowned 6-kilometer open water swim held annually in the Avon (Aune) estuary in Devon. The event starts in the picturesque village of Aveton Gifford and concludes at the stunning Bantham Beach. Swimmers experience the unique thrill of the "swoosh," where the ebbing tide funnels through a narrow section of the river, propelling participants at speeds up to four times their usual swimming pace. This exhilarating natural current, which can run at 8 knots, offers a distinctive and enjoyable challenge for swimmers.
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