Brownsea Swim 2026

Question 1

Swim Cut off times?

Accepted Answer

Over the years we have determined that the safe maximum times to complete the Full Distance swim in both Wetsuit and Non Wetsuit Categories are as follows:

* Full Distance Swim = 180 minutes.

Any swimmers still swimming after these times will do so at the discretion of the Safety Officer and his or her Safety Crew.

For info: the average swim time for the full swim is approx 2hours.

Question 2

Are wetsuits compulsory?

Accepted Answer

We strongly encourage swimmers to pick whether or not to wear a wetsuit according to their training conditions. If you train regularly in similar sea conditions without a wetsuit you are welcome to swim in the non-wetsuit category.

If you have any concerns about getting too cold, we encourage you to select the wetsuit option. The swim was conceived as a challenge and we do want as many of our swimmers as possibly to finish safely and to enjoy their swim.

Question 3

Can I transfer my place OR defer it into the next year?

Accepted Answer

All places on the Brownsea Swim are strictly non-transferable and non-refundable.

Places cannot be deferred into future swims. (Please see terms and conditions for full details).

Participation in the Event is personal to you; you are strictly prohibited from swapping, selling or transferring or offering to sell, swap or transfer the place in the Event or allowing any other person to wear the event number/cap.

Any breach of this Condition shall render the entry void. If you are found to be in breach of this Condition we reserve the right to exclude you from participation in future events

Question 4

Why do you only organise one swim a year?

Accepted Answer

As much as we'd love to be able to accommodate everyone who wants to swim, we have to work with some very specific parameters:

The Brownsea Swim is tidal, and each year we have to look for a specific set of times and (spring) tides.

The variation in tide times means that it is not possible to run the event in waves or on consecutive days.

A typical swim has approx 100 volunteers assisting either as part of the safety cover team or the event marshals. This in itself is a mammoth task to co-ordinate and as such only viable once a year.

The small dedicated volunteer team that organise the swim each year put hours and hours of their own time into organising each event, again only possible once a year without incurring burn out.

Question 5

What are the Swim Distances around the Island?

Accepted Answer

Distance definitions:

Full Distance: Approx. (6.5Km) or (4.0miles). Starts and Finishes at the Castle Beach. Tidally assisted on both sides of the Island.

Half Distance: Approx.(3.2Km) or (2.0miles). Starts at the Maryland Beach, near Pottery Pier, and Finishes at the Castle Beach. Tidally assisted.

The Half Distance Category will start approx 60 mins after the main start. Swimmers will be ferried to the Half Swim Start Point by boat. The Half Swim will finish on the Castle Beach with all the full distance swimmers.

NOTE 1:
distances given above are Approx and are dependent on how you navigate your way around the island.

Question 6

Can I change my swim category?

Accepted Answer

Once all swimmers are registered, we will contact everyone and ask them to check and confirm they are entered for the correct category.

Once the confirmation deadline has passed, no more changes will be possible.

We do not accept category changes on the day of the swim.

Full details can be found in the terms and conditions.

Question 7

What prizes are you offering?

Accepted Answer

Prizes will be awarded to the top three swimmers in each of these sets:

Full Distance, Non-Wetsuit, Men
Full Distance, Non-Wetsuit, Women
Full Distance, Wetsuit, Men
Full Distance, Wetsuit, Women

Please see Event Rules for further details.

Question 8

Are there Toilets available for swimmers?

Accepted Answer

There are public toilets available for swimmers:

At registration - on Poole Quay
On Brownsea Island, just after the ferry Pier
There are no facilities provided in the grounds of Brownsea Castle.

Further details on this will be sent out to swimmers in the Event information pack. This is sent out, by email, around a month ahead of the swim.

Question 9

Is Sportiva Events organising this event?

Accepted Answer

No, we're assisting with registrations & marketing and some other logistics. The Brownsea Swim is owned and run by RLSS Poole Lifeguard.

Question 10

What is the minimum age for the swim?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age is 18 for safeguarding reasons. If you look under 25, we may ask you for photo ID at registration.

Question 11

Why aren't spectators allowed on the start/finish beach?

Accepted Answer

As much as we'd love to have you be able to share the event with friends and family we are unable
to accommodate spectators.
The swim start and finish beach sits within the grounds of Brownsea Castle (which is operated as a
private hotel by John Lewis and Partners). We are deeply grateful to Brownsea Castle team and to the John Lewis partnership for allowing us to
use their grounds for this event.
In order to minimise the disruption to their guests, we do limit access to the grounds to swimmers and the event team only. We currently use all available space on the shoreline for swimmers and event teams. The foreshore area has quite a narrow beach, relative to other swim starts and finishes. This is part of the terms and conditions of the swim.

Failure to observe this, meaning spectators are seen to be within the grounds of the castle will jeopardise future use of the castle and as such may put future events at risk. As such, swimmers who are linked to said spectators will be prevented for entering future events

Note there are two tickets to purchase to get onto the Island as a spectator

a) Ferry Ticket

b) Entry to the island

Brownsea Swim

Brownsea Swim 2026

Brownsea Swim 2026

Organiser Details