Wild Swimming in Windermere

My Great North Swim achievement

Having taken the plunge into Windermere’s Great North Swim in 2021, I was filled with such an incredible sense of achievement and joy that I couldn't resist the temptation to take part again in June. The experience of swimming across vast open water surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty is truly an amazing feeling. I’m a keen open water swimmer and love the cold water. I’ve dipped in Windermere every month so far this year, in January the water was minus 5 degrees! So, this time of year when the water is 20 degrees, it’s wonderful!

The swim is a challenge that pushes me to my limits both physically and mentally, but the feeling of crossing the finish line is absolutely incredible. The support from cheering spectators and my colleagues from Brockhole on Windermere, combined with the fantastic atmosphere, make it an event like no other. To me swimming the Great North Swim is not about the race or the time it takes me to complete it, it represents personal growth and determination.

What is the Great North Swim?

The Great North Swim is the UK’s largest outdoor swimming event with more than 5,000 swimmers of all ages and abilities taking part in 2023. Every year since 2008 Windermere has seen thousands of swimmers take to the lake to challenge their swimming abilities across a range of lengths – from 250 metres to 10,000km! From Olympic swimmers to locals who fancy a challenge The Great North Swim has helped to inspire many to try open water swimming.

Hosted at Brockhole Visitor Centre the event is accessible with great links to local buses and public transport. Not only is the event a great day out but with activities and a café on site Brockhole makes The Great North Swim fun for all the family.

When taking to the water the most important thing to remember is to be safe. Many people have been inspired by The Great North Swim and there has been a rise in open water swimmers over the past few years and water safety is essential.

Top 10 wild swimming tips:

1. Do not swim alone
2. Always use a bright tow float and cap for visibility
3. Enter the water slowly and get used to it
4. Check the depth of the waterbed by walking in carefully
5. Work out where you will exit the water safely
6. Don’t be tempted to stay in too long
7. Wear a wetsuit, if possible, to keep you warmer and more buoyant
8. Swim along the shoreline so you can easily get out when you need to
9. Have lots of layers, a hat, and a warm drink for when you get out, even in summer
10. Never drink alcohol and swim

If the Great North Swim has inspired you then why not read more about our water safety tips here.

Sign up for next year’s Great North Swim here: https://greatswim.org/great-north-swim