Great North Swim Guide

EVENT GUIDE 2024

FRIDAY 7 - SUNDAY 9 JUNE

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

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

11:00 INFORMATION POINT OPENS

14:00 10K SWIM - RED

14:45 5K SWIM - GREEN

16:30 2 MILE SWIM - PINK

17:30 1 MILE SWIM - YELLOW

TIMETABLE FRIDAY RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS

07:00 INFORMATION POINT OPENS

09:30 HALF MILE SWIM - RED

10:00 HALF MILE SWIM - GREEN

10:30 1 MILE SWIM - PINK

11:00 1 MILE SWIM - YELLOW

11:30 1 MILE SWIM - ORANGE

12:00 1 MILE SWIM - WHITE

12:30 1 MILE SWIM - RED

13:00 1 MILE SWIM - GREEN

13:30 1 MILE SWIM - PINK

14:00 1 MILE SWIM - YELLOW

14:30 1 MILE SWIM - ORANGE

15:00 SWIM 250 - WHITE

15:30 SWIM 250 - RED

16:00 RLSS UK ROOKIE LIFEGUARD SESSION

07:00 INFORMATION POINT OPENS

09:30 10K SWIM - RED

09:30 5K SWIM - GREEN

10:15 2 MILE SWIM - PINK

11:00 2 MILE SWIM - YELLOW

11:30 1 MILE SWIM - ORANGE

12:00 1 MILE SWIM - WHITE

12:30 HALF MILE SWIM - RED

13:00 SWIM250 - GREEN

13:30 SWIM SESSIONS

TIMETABLE SUNDAY RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS

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. 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.

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.

INFORMATION POINT AND PACK PICK-UP AT THE START

Dive into the Arla Great North Swim experience with our new and improved pack pick-up process!

In our bid to leave a lighter footprint on our environment, we will no longer be sending out swimmers’ packs through the post. Not only will this mean that we are reducing our emissions from not transporting thousands of swim packs around the country, but it will also mean 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:

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 designated swimmeronly 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 swimmer-only zone and check-in can all be found on your event site map.

For example:

If your swim is at 10:30 on Saturday 8th 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 swimmer-only zone to get changed at 09:30

Check-in for your swim (in the swimmer-only zone) at 10:00

WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR PACK

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. We request you wear this on your ankle (any side), to make it easier to check in at the start line. 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

SWIM CAP

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 caps on at all times.

BAGGAGE LABEL

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.

WRISTBAND

Along with your baggage label, swim cap, and timing chip you will also receive a wristband with a matching swim number. Please ensure you’re wearing your wristband before getting to the check-in area.

TRACK YOUR SWIM

New for 2024! If you’d like to give your friends and family the chance to track your swim progress at this year’s event, make sure you hire a brand-new swim tracker from our partner, Open Tracking.

The tracker allows your loved ones (wherever they are in the world) to monitor your progress throughout your Great Swim event. They’ll be able to see when you start, when you finish and where you are at all times on an online map as you make your way around the course. You will also be able to check your timings after you finish your swim, as well as seeing the timings of other participants.

All this information will be displayed at all times on a single tracking page through Open Tracking, accessible on mobiles and desktops. If you have pre-ordered, or you’d like to hire a GPS tracker on the day, these can be collected from our merchandise stand, located next to the Information Point.

It’s £15 to hire the tracker, which includes a tow float, where you would keep your tracker. Interested? Book yours today here

WETSUITS

Wetsuit use is optional at all Great Swim events in water temperatures of 15˚C or above. 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. Swimmers aged under 16 will be required to wear a wetsuit.

TOW FLOATS

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.

REFILLABLE BOTTLE

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

Sorry, but we can’t accommodate fancy dress that would compromise the safety of either the swimmer themselves or others.

SWIMMER-ONLY ZONE

ARRIVAL TIME

Please enter the swimmer-only zone 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 swimmer-only zone 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.

TOILETS

There are plenty of toilet facilities for swimmers located within the swimmer-only zone, which you’ll pass as you make your way to the changing facilities.

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, our teams are there to help you, and then returned in the collection buckets.

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.

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.

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.

Please help us to look after our lovely swim environment by disposing of your waste in the appropriate recycling and general waste bins.

COURSE MAP

DISTANCES

1 mile and multi-lap course

1/2 mile course

10k - 6 laps

5k - 3 laps

2 mile - 2 laps

250 Course

EVENT SITE MAP

AT BROCKHOLE

It’s almost time for the Arla Great North Swim and we will be with you every stroke of the way!

Before you dive in, we will be there to provide you with a creamy Arla Skyr breakfast, or a tasty Arla Protein treat to fuel your swim. When you’re done, grab a post-swim pick-me-up treat from Arla LactoFREE or a delicious Arla Cravendale milkshake as a pat on the back. You’ve earned it!

Across the event, join us in the Arla Event Village where there will be 4 zones for you to enjoy:

Arla skyr Make More of Mornings breakfast station

Arla Protein Feed your Drive Active Zone

Arla Cravendale Heavenly Milkshake station

Arla Lactofree Feel Good Wellness Lodge

Join us to sample delicious dairy and try the exciting activities we’ll have available throughout the weekend including:

Live Dairy DJ // Dance Classes // Spin-to-Win Competitions // Lawn Games // Relaxation Area Personalisation Station

Photo Opportunity

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT BROCKHOLE

The award-winning Brockhole-on-Windermere is a little piece of Lake District paradise located in the idyllic spot on the banks of Windermere. The attraction is well-equipped for visitors of all ages and interests and includes a fantastic adventure playground, beautiful gardens, a top-class restaurant complete with everything from lunches to delicious cakes, and a visitor gift shop – jam-packed with local, Lake-inspired goodies.

Brockhole also offers visitors a selection of activities suitable for all ages, such as boat hire, treetop trek, archery, axe-throwing and plenty more!

AT BROCKHOLE

Get ready for adventure with Go Wild

If you’re looking to unleash your inner Viking, or you’re keen to battle it out in the laser tag arena, or maybe you fancy letting your arrows fly like Robin Hood… You’re in the right place!

The team at Go Wild will be there throughout the whole weekend to keep you entertained by offering swimmers and spectators a selection of fantastic activity packages.

Places are limited so we recommend purchasing online ahead of event weekend to secure your spot.

Adventure Activity Day Pass - £20

(Wristband give access to each activity once - age 8 years and over)

Unlimited Adventure Activity Day Pass - £40

(Wristband allows unlimited access to all activities - age 8 years and over)

AT BROCKHOLE

Activities:

AXE THROWING

Unleash your inner lumberjack, land bullseyes and sling axes on our picturesque 8 lane lakeside range. What you get: 3 practice throws, closest to bullseye challenge and a 6 axe tournament.

LASER TAG

Get set for a Laser Tag battle with friends and family, in our purpose built lakeside woodland arena. What you get: Team elimination, Capture the Flag or Storm the Shore (book unlimited wristbands and experience all games)

ARCHERY

Take your bow, pull back and let your arrows soar towards the gold. What you get: A practice round followed by point scoring games and bullseye tournaments.

EVENT VILLAGE AT BROCKHOLE

There will be lots to see and do for those who are swimming as well as anyone who is there to support. As well as the activities and family attractions that Brockhole has running throughout the weekend, there’s also a lot of other things to see and do - including a range of exciting entertainment from our official sponsors Arla.

SWIM FEST RETURNS!

The SwimFest stage will also be returning with some fantastic guest speakers, including none other than Louise Minchin! 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’ll also 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: Earthworm Kitchen, Yardies, and Fiery Mamma’s Pizza. 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!

BRAND NEW MERCH

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:

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.

PRE-LOVED POP UP AT BROCKHOLE

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!

You can also bring your old swimming / outdoor gear on the weekend of the event and hand it directly to the Lake District Foundation team at Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre. The team there will accept items from Monday to Friday (outside of school holidays), as well as throughout the whole event weekend.

A few things to note:

Please make sure to wash any items of clothing before donating it.

Please pack your donation and label it with your name. In exchange for your donation, you will get 10% off any hot drink at Brockhole.

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, as well as Rydal and Grasmere.

We can confirm that recent results all received an ‘excellent’ rating against the EC Inland Bathing Water standards.

We will continue to assess and test the water and will be conducting another 2 rounds of independent water testing throughout May and June.

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.

FROM THE ARLA GREAT NORTH SWIM TEAM AND OUR PARTNERS