Should I wear a wetsuit?
What type of wetsuit 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 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?
Is fancy dress allowed?
Should I wear a wetsuit?
Wetsuits are compulsory for the British Gas Great Swim Series.
A wetsuit will provide extra buoyancy, warmth and will make you slightly faster.
Back to the top
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.
Try out your wetsuit 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.
Back to the top
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).
The British Gas Great East Swim 1/2 mile is perfect for those who feel daunted by the thought of swimming a mile. Find out
More
Back to the top
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.
Back to the top
What is the age restriction for this event?
You must be 16 years or over on the day to enter the Mile and 2 Mile Great Swim events.
You must be 12 years or over on the day of the event to enter the 1/2 Swim.
Back to the top
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/
Back to the top
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
Back to the top
What is the withdrawal procedure?
The Great Swim withdrawal procedure 2012
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.
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.
Back to the top
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.
Back to the top
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.
Back to the top
Is fancy dress allowed?
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 at info@greatswim.org so that we 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 they intend to wear on the day.
Back to the top