Frequently asked Questions
Should I wear a wetsuit?
What type of wetsuir should I wear?
What happens if I can’t swim a mile?
I have never swum in the outdoors or entered a swim race before, should I enter?
What is the age restriction for this event?
How do I train for this event?
Can swimmers with a disability take part?
What is the withdrawal/deferment procedure?
What happens if the race is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances?
I have heard about blue-green algae build-up being dangerous to outdoor swimmers. What is blue-green algae and will there be any in the water at the Great Swim?
Should I wear a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are not compulsory, however it is highly recommended that you wear one.
A wetsuit provides extra buoyancy, warmth and will make you slightly faster.
If the water falls below 15c on race day, wetsuits will be compulsory.
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What type of wetsuit should I wear?
You should use a well fitting specific wetsuit, such as those designed for triathlons.
These are usually made from a flexible neoprene that allows you to swim normally whilst helping to insulate the body against the cold water.
The most important thing is that whatever wetsuit you decide to wear – surfing, shortie, short arms and legs – it fits well.
It should be snug when you put in on, so the water is trapped next to your body to warm you up. It should not be loose fitting, so the water flows through it, as this will not warm you up and could restrict your swimming.
If you are wearing a wetsuit, try it out before event day, even if this is in the swimming pool.
See the What to Wear section for more information and to hire a wetsuit from our official supplier.
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What happens if I can’t swim a mile?
Great Swim’s aim is to motivate people of all swimming abilities to get active and enjoy the experience of outdoor swimming in a safe environment.
You should take time to train and prepare properly for the event. To help you do this, we offer tailor-made training plans just for you. For more information, visit: http://trainingroom.taketothestreets.org/
You MUST be able to complete a mile confidently before taking part in this event.
However, if you get into difficulty during your swim, help will be at hand (full instructions of what to do will be given at the pre-event briefing).
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I have never swum in the outdoors or entered a swim race before, should I enter?
Great Swim is an event for swimmers of all abilities.
Most people taking part will not have swum in the outdoors before, so you won’t be alone!
There was a time when running a marathon or a half marathon was just for serious club runners, now anyone can take part who is willing to put in the time to train. The same goes for the Swim.
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What is the age restriction for this event?
You must be 16 years or over on the day of the event to enter Great Swim.
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How do I train for this event?
You can train for the event in the swimming pool by continually increasing your distance to swim a mile.
Free Interactive training plans are available online in the Training Room at: http://trainingroom.taketothestreets.org/
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Can swimmers with a disability take part?
For safety reasons the Great Swim features dry-land sections at the start and finish of the course so may not be suitable for all swimmers.
If you would like to take part but have concerns over the suitability of the course for you, please email info@greatswim.org
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What is the withdrawal/deferment procedure?
The Great Swim withdrawal procedure 2010
If your entry is accepted, your fee is not refundable unless supported by a doctor's note. Please send a doctor's note and covering letter stating that you would like to be withdrawn from the event to:
Great Swim Customer Services,
PO Box 1RY,
Newcastle upon Tyne.
NE99 1RY.
Refunds will be accepted at least six weeks prior to the event. After this time no refunds will be given, however you will still be able to defer your entry.
All refunds are subject to a £5.00 administration charge. All entries are non-transferable either to a different participant or to subsequent Great Swim events in future years.
The Great Swim deferment policy 2010
If you decide not to take part in the event, you can defer your entry to next year. You will be eligible for a guaranteed place in the 2011 event, however you will need to pay the 2011 entry fee. You can only defer your place for a maximum of one year.
If you wish to defer your entry, you must do so before the event. No deferrals will be made after the event has taken place.
To defer your entry if you have NOT received your pack
If you have not yet received your event pack then contact the Great Swim customer services team by emailing info@greatswim.org. In the email include your full name, postcode and the name of the event that you have entered.
To defer your entry if you have already received your pack
If you have already received your event pack, this must be retuned along with an accompanying letter stating that you wish to defer your entry. The event pack and letter should be sent to:
Great Swim 2010 Deferment,
PO Box 1RY,
Newcastle upon Tyne.
NE99 1RY.
Your deferment will only be accepted if the returned pack and letter is postmarked before race day.
To defer on the day
If deferring your entry in person you must bring your letter requesting deferment along with your race number and chip timing device to the Great Swim Information Desk on race weekend.
Once you have deferred your entry, you will be contacted via email prior to the opening of entries to the 2011 event. You will be given 28 days to commit and pay for your guaranteed place. After this time your place can no longer be guaranteed.
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What happens if the race is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances?
Due to the nature of outdoor swimming, the Great Swim may be cancelled/postponed prior to or on the day of the event due to unforeseen circumstances including bad weather or the unlikely event of unsuitable water quality.
If the event cannot be postponed then your full entry fee will be refunded – this does not include wetsuit, travel or accommodation costs incurred.
Announcements of any cancellation/postponement will be via text on the mobile number provided on the application form, email, on the website and local radio stations. Please ensure your enter a valid mobile and email address on your application.
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I have heard about blue-green algae build-up being dangerous to outdoor swimmers. What is blue-green algae and will there be any in the water at the Great Swim?
Blue-green algae are minute plants which occur naturally in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers and the sea. When it blooms, it can form a scum and produce toxic substances.
These commonly occur during periods of prolonged hot weather in calm waters - such as the water’s edge or shoreline.
Given this, blue-green algae is not a regular occurrence, however we will be monitoring the water quality in the lead up to the event and taking steps to ensure that blue-green algae does not form in the area where the Great Swim is taking place.
Despite this, for your safety we would advise that you do not drink the water and try to ingest as little water as possible during the Great Swim.
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