Event day guide for participants in the Arla Great North Swim at Lake Windermere.
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EVENT GUIDE
FRIDAY 13 - SUNDAY 15 JUNE
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IT’S NEARLY HERE!
Event day is just around the corner, and we want to help you with any event day questions so you can focus on enjoying your swim and soaking up the atmosphere. Any info you might need before the big day is included in this guide. Up-to-date event information can also be found at
GREATSWIM.ORG
Don’t forget to tag us on social in your event day pictures with your shiny new medal and join the conversation on social media - just make sure you use
#GreatNorthSwim
@GreatSwim
@great_swim
@great_swim
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CONTENTS
4 - 6
TIMETABLE
7
TRAVEL
8 - 11 INFORMATION POINT AND PACK PICK-UP
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
12 - 14
15 - 16
SWIM KIT
17 - 20
KEY INFORMATION
21 - 22
MAPS
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ACTIVITIES WITH ARLA
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SPECTATOR VIEWING
25 - 28
EVENT VILLAGE AND SWIM FEST
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WATER QUALITY
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TIPS AND ADVICE
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WINDERMERE MARATHON
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TIMETABLE FRIDAY
11:00 Information point opens 13:30 10K Swim - Red 13:30 5K Swim - Green 14:45 5K swim - Pink 15:30 2 Mile Swim - Yellow 17:30 1 Mile Swim - White
*Timetable correct, subject to any changes, please refer to the website.
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TIMETABLE SATURDAY
07:00 Information point opens 08:15 2 Mile Swim - Red 09:30 1 Mile Swim - Green 10:00 1 Mile Swim - Pink 11:00 1 Mile Swim - Orange 11:30 1 Mile Swim - White 12:00 1 Mile Swim - Red 13:00 1 Mile Swim - Pink 13:30 Half Mile Swim - Yellow
14:30 Swim250 - White 15:00 Swim250 - Red
*Timetable correct, subject to any changes, please refer to the website.
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TIMETABLE SUNDAY
07:00 Information Point opens 09:30 10K Swim - Red 09:30 5K Swim - Green 10:15 5K Swim - Pink 11:00 2 Mile Swim -Yellow 12:30 2 Mile Swim - White 13:30 1 Mile Swim - Red 14:00 Half Mile – Quiet Wave
14:30 Half Mile - Pink 15:00 Swim250 - Yellow
*Timetable correct, subject to any changes, please refer to the website.
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TRAVEL
We strongly advise that you plan your travel in advance, as many options are pre-bookable only and will sell out. You will find plenty of travel information, including parking, ferry shuttle, and bus services here on our website.
For anyone planning to cycle to the event, there will be some limited bike parking stands on-site at Brockhole, but please don’t forget your lock!
PARKING
On-Site parking at Brockhole is sold out, however there are still a few tickets left for our Park & Ride which can be found here .
There will be a drop off and pick up turning circle. To ensure there are no delays on the road network there will be strictly no waiting on site.
PLEASE NOTE Parking on roadsides and verges is strictly forbidden, and the police would like to remind participants that any cars that are parked in these areas may incur penalty charge notices or be towed away. Please be considerate to other participants, residents, and tourists and park responsibly.
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INFORMATION POINT AND PACK PICK-UP
In our bid to leave a lighter footprint on our environment, we are no longer sending out swimmers’ packs through the post. This means reducing our emissions from not transporting thousands of swim packs around the country, but also means that no swim packs go missing, which leads to less printing of spare items.
Please take the time to read through the following information about when and where to collect your packs from throughout the weekend.
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INFORMATION POINT AND PACK PICK-UP
Location Pack pick-up is located at the Information Point in the main event village, see event site map
· Pack pick-up will open 2 hours before your scheduled swim start time
· For Saturday swimmers: Pack pick-up is also available between 14:00 and 16:00 on Friday
· For Sunday swimmers: Pack pick-up is also open between 14:00 and 16:00 on Friday and Saturday
· We kindly advise that all swimmers enter the start area approximately one hour before your swim start time
· Swimmer check-in will be available 30 minutes before your swim start time, ensuring a smooth transition into the water
Locations for pack pick-up, the start area and check-in can all be found on your event site map .
For example: If your swim is at 10:30 on Saturday 14th June for the 1 mile distance, these would be your recommended pack pick-up times: Arrive at the event at 08:30 on Saturday and make your way to the pack pick-up point (or visit us between 14:00 – 16:00 on Friday)
Make your way through to the Start and Finish area to get changed at 09:30
Check-in for your swim at 10:00
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INFORMATION POINT AND PACK PICK-UP
Your swim cap is an essential piece of kit. Each wave has a different coloured cap, and the caps not only help to retain body heat, but they also make you really visible to our water safety teams. Please keep your cap on at all times. Your cap has your unique Swim number on, which will match your wristband which will also be given to you. Please ensure you’re wearing your wristband before getting to the check-in area. SWIM CAP & MATCHING WRISTBAND If needed, use this label to ensure your belongings stay safe whilst you are in the water, and are easily identifiable when you collect them. BAGGAGE LABEL
SPECTATOR WRISTBAND
Each swimmer will be offered 2 wristbands when they collect their pack on event day. These are to be given to friends and / or family members who wish to enter the spectator viewing area. The colour of the wristbands will match the colour of the wave the swimmer is in, and they can choose to take both wristbands, just 1 or none at all.
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INFORMATION POINT AND PACK PICK-UP
TIMING CHIP
This is your unique timing chip assigned to record your time, as well as let the swim tracker team know exactly when you enter and exit the water. Your timing chip only activates once you cross over the timing mat under the start gantry, so when the hooter sounds, there’s no need to rush into the water. Take your time and enjoy the experience. Your timing chip will automatically track your time when you walk across the timing mat at the finish, so there is no need to do anything else to record your time.
TIMING CHIP INSTRUCTIONS
This chip is assigned specifically to you and is used to accurately record your time, as well as notify the swim tracker team exactly when you enter and exit the water. Please attach your unique timing chip securely to either ankle and tuck it under your wetsuit if you are wearing one. For better security and fit, ensure the strap is snug but comfortable, and that the chip is not loose or exposed. This also helps to make check-in at the start line smoother for our volunteers. At the finish, simply walk across the timing mat - your chip will automatically register your completion time. After you have finished, we ask that you remove your chip and place it in the collection baskets - our team will be on hand to assist with this. There’s nothing more you need to do to ensure your time is recorded.
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ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
Disabled Parking For those who require accessible parking at the venue, a certain number of free spaces are available to Blue Badge holders. To guarantee a space please get in touch with us support@greatswim.org in advance of the event. Accessible Toilets All toilets at the event are temporary portaloos. These are divided into two main areas, both of which can be accessed from hard standing, and will have accessible toilets. Accessible routes around the event site There is step free access across the majority of the site, with a small steep incline to get to the baggage and changing areas. An alternative step free route is available if needed – please speak to a steward on the day who will be happy to guide you.
There are gravel paths and temporary event surfaces around the site suitable for wheelchairs
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ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
Purple hats For any swimmers who would like particularly close attention paid to them, perhaps due to a disability or medical condition, we can issue a purple hat at registration. We can then relay any relevant information to our safety teams, so they are on hand and informed when needed. We have a dedicated team of safety kayakers on the water, who form part of our wider water safety team with our lifeguards and safety boats. They are there primarily for your safety, but also to help you enjoy your day and succeed in your swim. With over 50 kayakers, they are never far away, and are always happy to engage in a mid-swim chat to help calm your nerves, or become a temporary pontoon while you adjust your googles or gather your nerves.
The Great Swim Team are on your side, to keep you safe and to keep you smiling.
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ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
Sunday Quiet Wave with Headway We’re partnering with Headway, the brain injury association, to open a quiet half mile wave on the Sunday of our event at 2pm. The wave is open to all swimmers who want to get in the water in a quieter environment. We will have low level music and PA playing and a reduce capacity so swimmers can get in the water with plenty of space around them. Headway support people who have been affected by brain injuries as well as their loved ones, at every stage of their journey. They said “a brain injury survivor can experience a huge range of debilitating symptoms; attending bright, noisy, crowded events is often not possible as they can exacerbate these symptoms, contributing to feelings of isolation and exclusion. Being able to participate in the Quiet Wave changes that; it will enable survivors to enjoy all the event has to offer, free from additional stress and anxiety”.
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SWIM KIT
WETSUITS
We are delighted to be working with Zone3, our official wetsuit partner. Wetsuit use is optional at the Great North Swim in water temperatures of 15˚C or above, however if the water temperature drops below 15˚C on the day of your swim a wetsuit will be mandatory , so we recommend bringing one to the event just in case. A wetsuit will give you extra buoyancy and warmth, but please make sure it fits properly as ill-fitting wetsuits are not allowed for safety reasons. Wetsuits can be one or 2 part (i.e made up of neoprene shorts and neoprene vest, as long as the torso is covered) and provides suitable insulation.
Please note: Swimmers aged under 16 will be required to wear a wetsuit regardless of the water temperature.
TOW FLOATS
In the event of water temperature above 15˚C swimmers choosing not to wear a wetsuit MUST use an approved high visibility tow float. Tow floats will be available to purchase throughout the weekend at the Merchandise stand.
SWIMMING AIDS
Swimming goggles are recommended. Other aids such as diving masks, snorkels, and flippers are not allowed.
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SWIM KIT
Sorry, but we can’t accommodate fancy dress that would compromise the safety of either the swimmer themselves or others. Swimmers and spectators will have access to a free water refill point throughout the weekend. Look out for this refill point in the event village, near the Information Point. We are trying to reduce plastic at our event, so there will be no plastic bottles given away on site. Please bring your refillable bottles with you and ensure you’re well hydrated before and after your swim. FANCY DRESS REFILLABLE BOTTLE
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KEY INFORMATION
ARRIVAL TIME
Please enter the start and finish area an hour before your start time to ensure you have plenty of time to change, check-in and warm up. You will receive a warm-up, a pre-swim safety briefing and the chance to acclimatise in the water before your swim starts. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions to our experienced swim team while you wait for your start.
CHANGING AREA
Within the start and finish area there will be changing marquees available for pre and post swim. The changing marquees are separated into male and female zones. BAGGAGE Just next to the changing area, there will be an open-sided baggage facility available, however, as always, we’d recommend arriving as ready as possible with minimal baggage, or leaving your belongings with family or friends. If you do use the baggage-drop please ensure your baggage label is attached and your bag is weatherproofed. There are plenty of toilet facilities for swimmers located near the changing areas, which you’ll pass as you make your way to the start. TOILETS
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KEY INFORMATION
IN THE WATER
If you need assistance while in the water, don’t panic. Tread water and raise one arm in the air. We have plenty of safety craft on the water and someone will reach you as quickly as possible. We hope you don’t need them, but there is a full medical team consisting of doctors, paramedics, and first aiders at the event. We have a huge team of water safety experts looking after you from the moment you enter the water, right until you finish and exit the water. For every 10 swimmers, there is one member of our water safety team looking after you, so you’re in very safe hands.
FINISH AREA
As you exit the water, you’ll make your way to the team of Great Swim crew who will check you out of the water by scanning your timing chip. Your timing chip will need to be removed from your ankle; and then returned to the collection buckets in the area. Our teams are there to help you. You’ll then make your way to collect your finishers’ goodies, which include your t-shirt, if you requested one when entering, your medal and other items. Please follow the t-shirt size signage so that you can collect a t-shirt that matches the size you selected when you entered the event.
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KEY INFORMATION
OFFICIAL PHOTOS
After you collect your finisher goodies, you’ll have the opportunity to have your official event photo taken by our partners, Marathon Photos Live. Your event photos will be available to view online in the days following the swim.
RESULTS
Your swim time will be available on the Great Swim website after you finish. You can check here .
FUNDRAISING
If you haven’t already, make sure you set up your official fundraising page on Enthuse, our official fundraising platform. Personalise your page with an image, your story and share to friends and family who can donate to your chosen charity. Now is the perfect time to get started on your fundraising journey or have a last push to raise some money for your chosen cause ahead of the big day.
Click here to start fundraising
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KEY INFORMATION
FEED STATIONS
Feed stations will be in place at this year’s event for 5k and 10k swimmers. 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. VOOM nutrition will be provided at the feed station, in the form of Power Bars and ‘Hydrate’ electrolyte drink, as well as water.
Please help us to look after our lovely swim environment by disposing of your waste in the appropriate recycling and general waste bins.
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COURSE MAP
5k & 10k
Half Way
550m
350m
875m
Mile ½
Mile ½
1050m
200m
1250m
1400m
START
FINISH
DISTANCES
1 mile and multi-lap course
1/2 mile course
10k - 6 laps
5k - 3 laps
2 mile - 2 laps
250 Course
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EVENT SITE MAP
START
FINISH
WARM UP AREA
SWIMMER & SPECTATOR VIEWING ACCESS
MERCH
FERRY
SPLASHED IT GANTRY
KEY
EXHIBITORS Zone 3 Solgar Andrea Hall Barracuda Bay CANS Swimbler Dip & Dales Co Warmcor Wild Moose Voom Nutrition Lake District Foundation RLSS
INFORMATION POINT & PACK PICK UP
WETLAND AREA
TOILETS
FOOD & DRINK
BIG SCREEN LIVE COVERAGE
BEER TENT
CHANGING AREA
Head to the Arla Protein power ground to play to your strengths.
BAGGAGE DROP AREA
Grab wonderful moments of delight with Arla skyr.
CHECK IN
Visit Arla Cravendale for family fun with a personalised craft station
MEDAL & FINISHER TEE COLLECTION
WATER REFILL POINT
CARPARK & BUS STOP *PARK & RIDE*
Step inside the Arla LactoFREE relaxation area and share your gratitude on our Thankful Tree.
FINISH
WINDERMERE MARATHON FINISH LINE SUNDAY ONLY
FINISH
SWIM FEST STAGE
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ACTIVITIES WITH ARLA
It’s almost time for the Arla Great North Swim and we will be with you every stroke of the way!
Whether you want to test your skills with Arla Protein, chillout with Arla Lactofree, get creative with Arla Cravendale or win with Arla Skyr. There’s something for everyone down at the Arla Event Village.
Across the event, join us where there will be 4 zones for you to enjoy:
Arla Protein - Visit the Protein Zone to play to your strengths in the power ground
Arla Cravendale - Head into the tipi to try some family fun crafts
Arla Skyr - Grab a wonderful Arla Skyr Whipped treat
Arla LactoFREE - Step inside our relaxation area and enjoy some gratitude journaling
Join us to sample delicious dairy and try the exciting activities we’ll have available throughout the weekend including: Active Zone // Creativity Station // Chill out Zone Spin-to-Win Competitions // Lawn Games //
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SPECTATOR VIEWING
BACK FOR 2025!
We’re thrilled to announce that spectators are now welcome to join their loved ones in what used to be the “Swimmers only zone”, now the Start and Finish Area.
Here’s how it will work:
Each swimmer will be offered 2 wristbands when they collect their pack on event day. These are to be given to friends and / or family members who wish to enter the spctator viewing area. The colour of the wristbands will match the colour of the wave the swimmer is in and they can choose to take both wristbands, just 1 or none at all.
Spectators can enter the spectating zone half an hour before their swimmers’ wave starts.
Anyone under the age of 12 can go in too as long as they’re supervised. They do not need a wristband.
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EVENT VILLAGE AND SWIM FEST
There will be lots to see and do for those who are swimming as well as anyone who is there to support. Including a range of exciting entertainment from our official sponsors Arla. SWIM FEST RETURNS! The Swimfest stage will also be returning this year with some fantastic guests, including non other than Renee McGregor, a Clinical Director and Sports Dietician & Vassos Alexander, British sports reporter & presenter. There will also be interactive audience quizzes, competitions and more.... And back by popular demand, will be our Waggiest Tail competition for all of our 4-legged friends. FOOD & DRINK There will be a wide range of independent local food producers on site throughout the weekend. We’re excited to welcome a selection of fantastic food stalls this year, including: Yardies Jamaican Street Food, Joeys Café doing their amazing Hash Browns, sandwiches, coffees and bar, Fire and Dough Pizzas, Fish and Chips, Herdwick Burgers and Doughnuts. The beer tent will be back, in a new location near the big screen, serving a selection of local Lakes beers - perfect for a post-swim celebration!
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EVENT VILLAGE AND SWIM FEST
If you fancy getting your hands on some brand new kit please come and see us at the merchandise tent next to the Information Point where there will be a range of products available to buy, including: BRAND NEW MERCH
5
£40.00
All our merchandise is available to buy pre event online at WWW.ADVENTURESHOP.ORG/SWIM
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EVENT VILLAGE AND SWIM FEST
SUPPORTERS’ GREEN AND THE BIG SCREEN
The supporters’ green will be a great area for a picnic rug for family and friends to wait for swimmers to finish but there are limited sheltered areas, so please be prepared for all weather. There will also be several partner and charity stalls to take a look at, as well as a big screen showing all of our swimmers entering and exiting the water throughout the weekend.
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EVENT VILLAGE AND SWIM FEST
PRE-LOVED POP UP
Find our ‘Pre-Loved Pop Up’ stand at this year’s Arla Great North Swim weekend! In Partnership with the Lake District Foundation, we will have a variety of second-hand outdoor clothing and items for sale at the stand. All proceeds will go towards the Lake District Foundation (See examples of recently funded projects here ). But we need your help to make this pop up a success! If you have any gently used outdoor gear or swimwear, bring it along and donate it at our stand during the event weekend.
Please remember: • All items must be washed before donation • Donations should be clean and in good condition
Together, let’s give pre-loved gear a new life – and support a great cause in the process!
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WATER QUALITY
TESTING THE WATER QUALITY
Our teams have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for this year’s event, and that includes conducting water quality tests.
With recent concerns around water quality in Windermere we have increased the number of tests, meaning it’s our most rigorous testing process to date.
The water quality is tested independently, with multiple samples taken from 8 different locations in Windermere.
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TIPS AND ADVICE
Swimming in cold water can put additional stress on your body so it is important to check that you are fit to train and compete in the event. You must be able to swim more than the distance of the event you have entered non-stop in a pool by the day of the swim. If you are unwell in the days before the event, even if you are raising money for charity, please don’t swim. Most medical emergencies occur in people who have been unwell but don’t want to miss out on the event. • Swimming is no different to other forms of exercise – as you increase your activity level, your body temperature increases, and you lose body fluid leaving to dehydration and impaired performance. This can be exacerbated when wearing a wetsuit, particularly on hot days.
• Ensure you drink little and often before your swim and rehydrate well afterwards. Do not drink any alcohol the night before and on the day of the event as it can cause dehydration.
• Some of the main risks associated with open water swimming are related to the effects of cold water. If your core temperature drops too low, you could suffer from hypothermia, which can be very serious.
• If the water temperature is cold, wear an additional swim hat under your official Great Swim hat, preferably neoprene. It could also be worth investing in some neoprene socks and gloves for colder water temperatures.
• On a hot day, do not put your wetsuit on fully until just before you go through check-in to avoid dehydration.
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The Windermere Marathon returns on Sunday 15 June and will finish at the Great North Swim site, Brockhole in Windermere.
This is the most scenic road marathon in the UK so if you fancy a challenge after your swim or just want to support runners on the finish line come and take a look! The stunning route heads anticlockwise around Lake Windermere, passing High Wray, Newby Bridge and Bowness-on-Windermere. The route starts on the lakeside at Waterhead and finishes in Brockhole.
For more information: https://www.windermeremarathon.co.uk/
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We’ve all heard about rainy days, but are you saving for your sunny ones too? Just like building stamina for your next big swim, regularly setting money aside will help you enjoy more of the moments that make life truly memorable. Swim freestyle, save savvy
Save for your sunny days with Coventry Building Society
thecoventry.co.uk
Coventry Building Society. Principal Office: Coventry House, Harry Weston Road, Binley, Coventry, West Midlands CV3 2TQ.
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GOOD LUCK & ENJOY YOUR DAY
FROM THE ARLA GREAT NORTH SWIM TEAM AND OUR PARTNERS
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