Great Swim FAQ's

Here you will find the common questions relating to our Great Swim events.

Pre-entry Questions

The Great Swim Series is for swimmers of all abilities. Thousands of swimmers take part, and most will not have swum in the outdoors before. You won’t be alone!

There was a time when running a marathon or a half marathon was just for serious club runners; but now anyone who is willing to put in the time to train can take part. The same goes for the Swim.

You MUST be able to complete your chosen distance 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 safety briefing on the day).
Entries will close at 10am on the Thursday of the event weekend or when the event reaches capacity (whichever is sooner).
The age limits are determined by the distance:
You must be 8 years or over on the day to enter the 250m. Every child aged 11 and under must be accompanied by one adult (per child).

The age limit depends on the distance you have entered to swim:
You must be 12 years or over on the day of the event to enter a ½ mile swim
You must be 16 years or over on the day of the event to enter a 1 mile, 2 miles, 5K
You must be 18 years or over on the day of the event to enter a 10K swim
We will have waves of swimmers taking part in the event throughout the weekend. The full timetable for the weekend can be found here.

When swimmers complete the entry form, they are asked to choose the day they would like to swim and a time block from the list of options on the entry form.
For example: Saturday 09:30am – 12:30pm

Around 6 weeks prior to the event weekend we will contact all entrants via email to confirm their exact allocated start time within their chosen time block and will give them an option to change it if required.

On the day of the event, the check-in for each wave time will open half an hour before each start time. This is when we ask swimmers to be at the start area in your wetsuit and ready to swim. Swimmers do not need to register at the Information Point if they have their swim hat and timing chip – they can just go straight to the start.

Swimmers will have the chance to get into the water to get used to the temperature before being brought out for a safety briefing 5 minutes before.
A confirmation message will be shown on screen, on completion of the registration process.

A confirmation email will also be sent to the email address provided when completing the entry form.

If you haven't received a confirmation email, please check your junk folder, and contact a member of our team here who will be able to confirm your entry and get your email resent.
All finishers will receive a bespoke medal, an exclusive (optional) finishers t-shirt plus a finisher’s bag filled with goodies.

We have made the decision to introduce optional finisher tees for 2023. You can choose to forgo your finisher tee shirt at the point of entry, and in lieu of this we will make a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal. Find out more here.

We will donate a portion of the fulfilment costs for each participant who chooses this option to the fund and commit that this donation to be a minimum of £20,000 in 2023.
You can train for the event in the swimming pool by continually increasing your distance. Check out our Training section of the website here for more information.
For safety reasons, the Great Swim features dry-land sections at the start and finish of the course. This feature means the event may not be suitable for all swimmers.

If you’d like to take part but have concerns over the suitability of the course for your specific needs or circumstances, please contact us here.
Equipment or costumes that restrict the swimmer or potentially cause any injury to other swimmers in a confined swimming environment will NOT be allowed. If you would like to wear fancy dress, please send a photo of the costume/equipment to the event manager here and we will let you know whether we think it will be suitable.

The final decision is down to the start safety team on the day, and they will not allow anything that they think to be unsafe.

You should practice swimming with anything you intend to wear on the day.

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Wetsuits

Wetsuit use is optional at all Great Swim events for water temperatures of 15°C or above.

Swimmers choosing not to wear a wetsuit MUST use an approved high visibility tow float. This only applies to swimmers aged over 16 years old.

Swimmers aged under 16 will be required to wear a wetsuit.
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.

Wetsuits should be a minimum of 3mm thick (5mm for those who suffer more from the cold)

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 it on, so the water is trapped next to your body to warm you up. If it is too loose, the water will flow through it, making you colder and potentially restricting your swimming.

We recommend that you try the wetsuit out before event day, even if this is in the swimming pool.

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Editing My Contact Details

Please contact us here and we will update our records for you.

Please confirm the name/date of birth that is currently showing and what you would like it changed to.
Please contact us here and we will update our records for you.

Please confirm the email address that is currently showing and what you would like it changed to.
Please contact us here and a member of our team will help.

If any details need changing, please confirm your name/date of birth/the address that is currently showing and what you would like it changed to.

Please ensure you notify us at least six weeks prior to the event otherwise we will be unable to prevent your swim pack from being posted to your old address.

Any undelivered race packs are returned to us so we can forward them on but, should you need to, you can collect a replacement swim hat and timing chip from the information point on the weekend of the event.

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Editing My Entry Form

Please contact us here and a member of our team can help.

Please confirm what you have put on the form, and what you would like it changed to.
If you would like to check or change your chosen swim date/time, please contact us here and the team can help with your request.

Please include your name, date of birth and/or post code so we can find your entry easily.
In most cases, we can accommodate such requests.

Please contact us here with your full name and details of the distance you have entered together with the distance you would prefer.

More details about our distance change policy can be found below:
Pre wave allocation (approx. 6 weeks prior to the event weekend) – up until the point whereby entrants are allocated their wave and fulfilment takes place, all distance transfer requests should come via our online contact form here where the entrant will be issued an online entry token for the shorter distance event, and they are removed from the longer distance event. No admin fee is charged, and no entry fee is refunded.

Post wave allocation – Once waves times have been allocated and swim packs have been sent out, distance transfer requests will be managed at the event site customer information point. Swimmers wishing to change distance must present their swim pack to be replaced for the shorter distance equivalent (subject to there being capacity within the event). Swimmers must do this at least 1 hour prior to desired swim wave start. No admin fee is charged, and no entry fee is refunded.

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Swim Packs

Your pack contains your swim hat and timing chip. If you are missing any of these items, please contact us via our online contact form here.

Your pack will also confirm at what time you are due to swim.

The check-in for your wave time will open half an hour before your start time. This is when you will need to be at the start area in your wetsuit and ready to swim. You will have the chance to get into the water to get used to the temperature before being brought out for a safety briefing 5 minutes before.
If you secured your entry more than 4 weeks before the event date, your swim pack should arrive 2 weeks before. If you entered 3 weeks before, it would arrive 1 week prior.

If you secured your entry with in the last 2 weeks, it should arrive 5 days before (by the Wednesday of the event week).

If you secure your place after the cut-off date for postage, as detailed on the entry form and the website, you will need to collect your swim pack from our information point on the weekend of the event.

Please note, we are unable to post swim packs outside of the UK as we cannot guarantee their safe delivery. They are made ready for collection from the information point.

We will produce an Event Guide for more detailed event information including the location and opening hours for the information point. This will be available to download from the website around 3 weeks before the event. A link to the Event Guide will also be sent in a pre-event email to all participants
Once you’ve received your swim pack, the most important thing to do is read all the information provided in the Event Guide and on the website. This is important race preparation and will ensure your day is more enjoyable.
If your swim pack hasn’t arrived by the event weekend, please visit the information point on the event site to collect a replacement swim hat and timing chip. Please take proof of your entry with you and/or your registration ID which can be found on your confirmation email.

The exact location and opening hours for the information can found on the website and in the Event Guide.

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On the day

No entries will be taken on the day. Entries will close at 10am on the Thursday of the event week or when the event reaches capacity (whichever is sooner).
We recommend getting to the event site approx. 45-60 minutes before your start time.

This will give you plenty of time to change and and get to the start area for your check-in. In the start area you will receive a warm up, pre-swim safety briefing and the chance to acclimatise in the water before your swim starts. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions to our experienced swim team while you wait for your start.
No, if you have your swim hat and timing chip you DO NOT need to visit the information point on the day. When you go to ‘check-in’ at the start area, you will be registered there.
We don’t allow the use of waterproof headphones during your swim.

We ask that you are able to listen and pay attention to instructions from marshals/safety kayakers in the water.
Yes, heated changing marquees will be available to use.
Yes. We will add details about where you can access baggage facilities to the website and in the Event Day Guide.

Before leaving your belongings in the baggage facility, make sure you fill in your baggage label provided in your swim pack. You’ll need to attach it to your bag. You’ll then need to show your swim hat/number to gain access to the baggage area and collect your bag.

Please don’t leave valuables in your bag – this will be a self-service system. Although security staff will be present, we can’t accept any responsibility for lost or stolen items.
As part of our drive to improve the sustainability at the event there will be no bottled water given out at the start/finish areas. There will be water refill points dotted around the event site, so please bring your own bottle.
Rinse showers will be available so you can rinse off your wetsuit after your swim.
For most distances, you can take as long as you need to complete the course. We will have safety kayakers in the water who will be monitoring participants and if they think you are safe to continue, you can do so.

For the longer distances (5K & 10K) we do ask participants to agree to the following statements on entry:

10k
I declare that I will be able to complete the 10K swim continuously and unaided within 4.5 hours (< 27 mins per km). If I fall behind this schedule, I understand that the safety team may not allow me to complete all my laps or may extract me from the water at any point if it is deemed inappropriate for me to continue based on medical and/or safety grounds.

5k
I declare that I will be able to complete the 5K swim continuously and unaided within 2.5 hours (<30 mins per Km). If I fall behind this schedule, I understand that the safety team may not allow me to complete all my laps or may extract me from the water at any point if it is deemed inappropriate for me to continue based on medical and/or safety grounds.

(NOTE: It is rare that we have to enforce this but your safety will always be our priority)
We will provide energy products and water on the feed station.

Any swimmers wishing to use the feed station to hydrate will need to bring their own collapsible cup, as there are no plastic bottles at the event. You can carry it with you until you reach the feed station on your first lap, leave it there and collect it on your last.

If you wish you can bring your own supplies for the feed station. Please pass this to the Great Swim team at the start area before your swim so they can take it there for you.

Please note, this wouldn’t be returned until the end of the swim timetable for that day, so we recommend bringing something that you don’t mind not getting back.

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Post event queries

All finishers will receive a finisher's pack as soon as they cross the finish line. This will contain your medal and if you have opted for a finishers T-shirt on entry, it will also be included.
To view your race results please click here

Select the correct event from the drop-down list and enter either your swim number or surname, then press Search.
To view your race results please click here

Select the correct event from the drop-down list and enter either your swim number or surname, then press Search.

If no result is displayed, please contact us here with your full name, swim number and the event in which you took part. We will then arrange for our results team to investigate.
To see photos of you please click here

Click on the link for the correct event and enter either your swim number or surname, then press Search.

Please note that unfortunately we cannot guarantee all swimmers will be able to see a photo of themselves. Pictures are tagged when your swim number is clearly shown. If your swim number was obscured in any way, it will not be picked up.

If you were standing next to a friend when your photo was taken, please try entering their surname or race number.

If you have any further issues, you can contact the team at Marathon Photos here
To see photos of you and to download your free certificate, please click here

Click on the link for the correct event and enter either your swim number or surname, then press Search. You should see photos of you displayed along with a link to download your free certificate

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Withdrawal/Cancellation Policy

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.

You MUST be able to complete your chosen distance 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 safety briefing on the day).

If you would like to reduce the distance you are due to swim, please contact us here
The full Great Swim Withdrawal & Refund Policy can be found here.

Immediate Entry Cancellation

If a participant decides that they no longer want to take part within 3 days of entering, regardless of reason, we will refund the entry fee (minus £5 admin charge). Please contact us here to request this. Please confirm your name, date of birth and the distance of swim you have entered.

Medical Refund

We can offer a refund of the entry fee (minus £5 admin charge) if a medical issue is preventing the customer from taking part in the event. This is only applicable up to 6 weeks prior to the event and we require certification.

Please contact us here to request this refund and include your medical certification. Please confirm your name, date of birth and the distance of swim you have entered. We can accept a copy of a medical notes, copies of appointment letters, physio notes etc.
In most cases, we can accommodate such requests.

Please contact us here with your full name and details of the distance you have entered together with the distance you would prefer.

More details about our distance change policy can be found below:
Pre wave allocation (approx. 6 weeks prior to the event weekend) – up until the point whereby entrants are allocated their wave and fulfilment takes place, all distance transfer requests should come via our online contact form here where the entrant will be issued an online entry token for the shorter distance event, and they are removed from the longer distance event. No admin fee is charged, and no entry fee is refunded.

Post wave allocation – Once waves times have been allocated and swim packs have been sent out, distance transfer requests will be managed at the event site customer information point. Swimmers wishing to change distance must present their swim pack to be replaced for the shorter distance equivalent (subject to there being capacity within the event). Swimmers must do this at least 1 hour prior to desired swim wave start. No admin fee is charged, and no entry fee is refunded.
A swimmer, who is no longer able to take part, is entitled to reallocate their place in an event to another participant for a fee of £10. This option is only available prior to wave allocation and swimmer pack fulfilment (6 weeks prior to the event weekend).

The existing swimmer needs to contact us via the contact form here. To confirm they would like to offer their place to another participant and provide their contact email address.

The new swimmer is then sent an entry online form via email and pays the £10 fee whereupon the existing swimmer is replaced in the system with the new swimmer. Unfortunately, if a discount code is used at time of purchase, no retrospective discounts can be applied.
The full Great Swim Withdrawal & Refund Policy can be found here.

Entries are non-transferable into subsequent years events; we do not offer a deferment policy.
The dates of the Great Swim events have been chosen to avoid any peak periods in blue-green algae and we will be monitoring the water quality in the lead up to the event.

Blue-green algae is naturally occurring in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers and the sea. These commonly occur during periods of prolonged hot weather and in calm waters, such as near to the water’s edge or shoreline.

At most levels the algae poses no threat to swimmers. It is only on the rare occasions when the algae reaches extremely high levels that it can form a scum and produce toxic substances. Great Swim monitors the water quality and we would carry out our contingency plans if we find any scum on the water.

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